An opossum by any other name: Wildlife Center requests votes for new ambassador

The Wildlife Center of Virginia has a new furry face on its ambassador team: a male opossum who came to the Waynesboro center in October.

The opossum’s new role as ambassador soon became clear when staff realized his uniqueness and his ability to settle in right away. He warmed up to outreach workers and quickly explored every inch of his enclosure. One week later, center staff were convinced he should become part of the ambassador team.

“I was amazed by how comfortable he was around us. From day one, he’d hear me coming and wait eagerly by the door of his enclosure, and as soon as I stepped in, he’d follow me around the entire time! Even now, I have to watch my step because he’s usually right at my feet, ready for our next adventure—whether it’s going to a program or enjoying a fun new enrichment activity!” Wildlife Center of Virginia primary trainer and Outreach Coordinator Alison Meredith said.

Ambassadors at the Wildlife Center of Virginia provide education and outreach in the local community and to local students about the importance of protecting wildlife.

Not much is known about the opossum’s history, except that he now needs a name as a WCV ambassador. The Center knows he was found as a young fella in Roanoke in spring 2024 and was kept as a house pet, which habituated him to humans and makes him unable to return safely to the wild.

The Center is accepting votes online to pick one of three names. Every dollar donated counts as one vote for the name you want, and all funds raised will go directly toward caring for him and supporting the many other opossums the Center will care for in 2025. In 2024, the Center cared for 450 opossums.

After the new ambassador arrived at the Center, the veterinary team found signs of mild metabolic bone disease (MBD) likely caused by an improper diet in his previous home. Despite having MBD, he is in overall good health and the Center’s outreach team has been working with him to prepare him for his role as an ambassador.

Go online to vote for one of the following names:

• Powhatan: A tribute to the native people who inspired the common name of the Virginia Opossum. The Powhatan people were among the tribes first connected to the species, and the name honors both the animal and the culture.
• Cosmos: A nod to the vast, mysterious night sky that suits a nocturnal creature perfectly. Cosmos also honors the legacy of the Center’s previous ambassador, Marigold, whose name was tied to the Cosmos flower.
• Mars: Short, sweet and adventurous. Mars is a great fit for a little explorer. Plus, it’s a playful connection to the word “marsupial,” the group of mammals to which opossums belong.

Votes are not limited and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The individual who donates the most during the voting will be invited to the Wildlife Center for a luncheon meet-and-greet with the new ambassador and given a tour of the center.