The Wildlife Center of Virginia made the difficult decision Saturday to euthanize an animal ambassador for several health complications.
Oliver the Virginia Opossum came to the Center on April 28, 2022 after he was attacked by an outdoor cat and his right eye had to be removed. Oliver recovered, but with only one eye, he could not survive in the wild and was deemed non-releasable. That marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life: joining the Center‘s animal ambassador team.
In his three years as an ambassador, Oliver connected with more than 6,200 people. His story often surprised audiences. When they learned he had been attacked by a predator, they imagined a fox, bobcat or coyote. Few expected to hear it was an outdoor cat. Oliver’s story opened eyes and inspired many to help protect wildlife by keeping their domestic cats indoors.
Most of all, Oliver helped inspire a love and appreciation for opossums. Every time he made his signature slow walk out of his crate during a program, it was met with quiet excitement and smiles. He helped students and families understand that opossums are gentle, fascinating creatures who play a vital role in our ecosystem, and that simple actions can help keep them safe.
At the time of his death, Oliver was a geriatric opossum, having already exceeded the typical lifespan of his species. In early 2025, the veterinary team discovered several cancerous masses, which were successfully removed. But in early June, Oliver’s health began to decline. A follow-up exam revealed kidney disease and the presence of a new mass. Given his age and overall condition, the team made the difficult but compassionate decision not to pursue aggressive treatment.
Saying goodbye was not easy for the team who had cared for Oliver, but they spent his final moments with him.
“Goodbye, Oliver, and rest in peace. You were deeply loved, and you will be greatly missed,” the Center posted on its Facebook page Monday.
The Center will honor Oliver’s life in the coming days by sharing posts on Facebook about the importance of keeping domestic cats indoors.
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Rebecca Barnabi
