A disabled opossum in Kentucky is learning to walk again thanks to a wheelchair that was custom-made for him.Kewpie, a 1.5-year-old opossum, was born with genetic defects known as a dwarf, snub-nosed opossum. Due to his disability, Kewpie cannot survive in the wild. He now resides at the Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center in London, Kentucky.As Kewpie ages, his caretakers noted he is likely to develop additional health problems as he moves into his senior years.Recently, a rescuer noticed Kewpie could no longer support his weight on his back legs and drug his back legs behind him. A veterinarian examined Kewpie and found the opossum had osteoporosis in his left leg and hip bone. The wildlife sanctuary knew that Kewpie would need a wheelchair so they reached out to Walkin' Pets, which is a pet mobility company. The company said they had never built a wheelchair for an opossum before but they were excited to help.The custom wheelchair now allows Kewpie to stand up and walk on his own. Watch a video of Kewpie in his wheelchair below.Wildlife center founder Tonya Poindexter said the opossum has adjusted well to his new wheels."Kewpie is still learning how his new wheels work for him. He seems to be figuring out it’s easier than dragging himself across the floor, and he’s a ‘Mr. Independent’ so holding him and carrying him is alright to him a little, but he likes to go on his own adventures," Poindexter said. "He still has a lot to figure out about his new transportation, but he seems to already be getting the hang of it. He knows that he can get to places much faster and without as much effort.”
A disabled opossum in Kentucky is learning to walk again thanks to a wheelchair that was custom-made for him.
Kewpie, a 1.5-year-old opossum, was born with genetic defects known as a dwarf, snub-nosed opossum. Due to his disability, Kewpie cannot survive in the wild. He now resides at the Wilderness Trail Wildlife Center in London, Kentucky.
As Kewpie ages, his caretakers noted he is likely to develop additional health problems as he moves into his senior years.
Recently, a rescuer noticed Kewpie could no longer support his weight on his back legs and drug his back legs behind him. A veterinarian examined Kewpie and found the opossum had osteoporosis in his left leg and hip bone.
The wildlife sanctuary knew that Kewpie would need a wheelchair so they reached out to Walkin' Pets, which is a pet mobility company. The company said they had never built a wheelchair for an opossum before but they were excited to help.
The custom wheelchair now allows Kewpie to stand up and walk on his own. Watch a video of Kewpie in his wheelchair below.
Wildlife center founder Tonya Poindexter said the opossum has adjusted well to his new wheels.
"Kewpie is still learning how his new wheels work for him. He seems to be figuring out it’s easier than dragging himself across the floor, and he’s a ‘Mr. Independent’ so holding him and carrying him is alright to him a little, but he likes to go on his own adventures," Poindexter said. "He still has a lot to figure out about his new transportation, but he seems to already be getting the hang of it. He knows that he can get to places much faster and without as much effort.”
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