A 5-month-old Virginia opossum is recovering at the Sacramento Zoo after spending months as an illegal pet.<\/p>\n
The opossum, named Dill, was kept as a pet for about three months and lived in a bathroom where he was fed canned dog food, according to the Sacramento Zoo. He was eventually surrendered after caring for him became overwhelming.<\/p>\n
Dill is now receiving medical care, supplements and a proper diet at the zoo.<\/p>\n
The zoo said Dill cannot be released back into the wild because of his previous care and familiarity with humans. He is currently living behind the scenes at the zoo’s Ambassador Animal building and is being introduced to new spaces.<\/p>\n
Dill is also being trained to join the zoo’s Ambassador Animal team. The zoo said his story will be used to educate visitors about illegal pet ownership and why wildlife should not be kept as pets.<\/p>\n
Virginia opossums are not native to California but have become established in the state’s ecosystem. They are not domesticated animals and cannot legally be kept as pets in California without the proper wildlife rehabilitation license, according to the zoo.<\/p>\n
The zoo said young opossums found alone may simply be exploring independently and may not need help. Anyone who finds an injured opossum or one smaller than 5 inches long without its mother should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.<\/p>\n