Meet Willow & Banksia
Meet Mumma Willow and her baby boy, Banksia—two resilient Brush Tail Possums with an inspiring tale of survival and adaptation. Willow fell victim to rodenticide poisoning, a harsh reality for many urban-dwelling animals. Rodenticides, commonly used to control rat populations, contain toxic substances that affect an animal's nervous system, leading to internal bleeding, organ failure, and often, a slow and painful death.
Thankfully, a compassionate person noticed Mumma Willow struggling and, with her tiny baby clinging to her back, took them to the dedicated team at Native Animal Rescue. There, they received the care and treatment needed to recover from the poisoning and regain their strength.
Once Mumma Willow and Banksia were nursed back to health and ready to return to the wild, a new challenge arose: the raging fires in the Wanneroo and Yanchep areas. These devastating fires left their original home uninhabitable. After a call out for a suitable release spot, they were relocated to my spacious enclosure., providing them with a safe haven to acclimate to their new surroundings.
The transition wasn't easy. Brushtail possums are very territorial and relocation needs to be done gently. Willow and Banksia had to adapt to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. The local bird calls, the rustle of the leaves, and the noisy stomps of kangaroo feet created an entirely new world for them. After a period of adjustment, the hatch of the enclosure was opened, granting them the freedom to explore their new environment.
A possum box was placed nearby, offering them a cozy shelter if they desired it. To ensure their smooth transition, I continued to put food out for them every day, gradually decreasing the frequency as they became more self-reliant. With the help of a wildlife camera, I monitored their progress, observing as they ventured further and further, eventually ceasing to return.
Now, Willow and Banksia have seemingly found their place in the bush, and hopefully thriving in their natural habitat. Their journey from poison to recovery, fire to freedom, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of wildlife and the impact of human compassion. Here's to hoping they continue to flourish and grace our world with their presence for many years to come.
