PORTLAND, Ore. — A young opossum rescued behind an apartment complex in Lebanon, Oregon, has found a new forever home at the Oregon Zoo.

The 9.5-ounce joey, now named Nigel, is about three months old and was initially cared for by the Chintimini Wildlife Center before being transferred with the help of state wildlife officials.

“This little opossum had a rough start in life — he wouldn’t have survived long on his own,” said Eliza Lee, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador animal program. “He’s settling in nicely and already showing us his curious personality.”

Nigel will soon join the zoo’s ambassador animal team, helping educate visitors about opossums — North America’s only marsupial — and combat misconceptions about the often-misunderstood species.

“People are sometimes scared of opossums, but they’re lovable in their own way,” said Lee. “We hope Nigel will help people connect to this unique species.”

Though considered invasive in the Pacific Northwest, opossums were first introduced to Oregon between 1910 and 1921. The Oregon Zoo hopes Nigel’s story will inspire greater awareness and appreciation for native and non-native wildlife alike.

Source: Oregon Zoo