Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

In September this year, seven tiny opossums arrived at Tivú with a story that reminds us just how vulnerable wild animals can be to human cruelty and indifference.
Their mother was attacked by dogs and lost her life; some of her other little ones died along with her. Out of the entire litter, only seven managed to survive.
But their story nearly took an even sadder turn: the woman who had them had rescued the survivors—only to raise them for food.
Fortunately, a family decided to intervene. They couldn’t just stand by, knowing what awaited these little ones. They asked the woman to hand them over and sought veterinary help, hoping to save them. That is how they came to us.
Seven tiny orphans, in need of much more than just food: they required care, specialized attention, and the chance to grow up so that, one day, they could return to the wild.
Since then, we have worked to help each one develop and grow stronger. And yesterday, we experienced one of those moments that make all the effort worthwhile: one of the seven opossums was released.
Interestingly, when he first arrived, he was the smallest of them all. But he thrived so well on his diet that he grew and gained enough weight to become the largest of his siblings.
Yesterday, the little one who once needed someone to save him took a giant step: he returned to freedom.
We can imagine the moment his little paws touched the natural world once again—far away from human hands and the dangers that nearly cost him his life.
Today, six little ones remain who still need us.
Six lives that continue to grow and prepare for the same opportunity as their sibling: to live free once more, among the trees, foraging for food and roaming the wilderness—just as wild animals should.
But helping them return to the wild comes at a cost. Their food, daily care, veterinary attention, and everything else needed for their recovery require resources that we cannot always guarantee.
At Tivú, we work to ensure that every animal that comes into our care gets a chance, but we cannot do it alone.
Will you help us care for the six opossums that are still waiting for their chance?

Links:

• Tivu Center for Wildlife rescue