The Great Escape

A wildlife rehabber got quite the surprise during feeding time. She found her newly rescued baby possum's enclosure completely empty. The orphaned joey had just arrived at the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. With no other possums in their care, staff placed the little one alone in a box inside an incubator. But this baby had other plans.

Finding Comfort

Instead of staying put, the possum pulled off a daring escape. It wasn't looking for freedom, though - it was seeking comfort. Staff found the baby snuggled up with an orphaned baby squirrel in a nearby enclosure. The two tiny creatures had found each other despite being different species.

The Bond Deepens

The next day, most of the squirrels at the center were moved elsewhere. Only one stayed behind - the same one who needed extra care. That night, roles reversed. The squirrel became the escape artist, sneaking into the possum's space to be with its unlikely friend. These two had formed a special bond, clinging to each other for comfort when they needed it most.

Learning to Be Wild

For proper development, both animals needed to be with their own kind. The center transferred them to Little Bit Wildlife Rescue, where each could grow up around their own species. But distance didn't stop their friendship.

On their very first night at the new center, they escaped again! Despite being placed in separate pouches, they somehow found each other once more.

Growing Up Right

As sweet as their friendship is, proper development matters. These babies need to learn from their own kind to survive in the wild. The rescue center now makes sure they spend most of their time with their own species, learning vital skills for survival.

When they grow strong enough, they'll return to their natural habitats where they were first found. They'll carry with them the comfort they gave each other during a time when they both needed it most.

A Lesson in Connection

This story shows how comfort and connection can cross barriers we might not expect. Two different creatures, brought together by chance, found something special in each other. Their determination to stay together reminds us how powerful the need for comfort can be for all living things.