Blanford Nature Center Has a New Opossum and They Need Your Help Naming Him

There’s a new, adorable resident at Blanford Nature Center—and he needs a name!

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Blanford Nature Center Welcomes New Virginia Opossum

This little guy has already had quite the adventure. According to Blanford Nature Center, the Virginia opossum was found alone as a baby with a cataract in one eye and was briefly kept as a pet before the DNR stepped in.

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From there, he was transferred to the West Michigan Wildlife Center, who helped him find a permanent home at the Grand Rapids nature center. Since he was raised without his mom, he’s an imprint—meaning he didn’t get to learn the survival skills wild opossums need—and with his limited vision, the wild just isn’t an option. Now, he’s ready to settle in at Blanford… and they need your help giving him the perfect name!

Help Name Blanford Nature Center's New Opossum

So what are the options? Odin, Opie, Orville, and Oscar—all "O" names to remind us he's an opossum not a possum.(Fun fact: opossums are native to North America, while possums are found in Australia!)

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Voting is open through Sept. 26 at 8a.m. To vote for your favorite "O" name, like the comment on Blanford Nature Center's Facebook post.

Then check back on the 26th for the big reveal! So far Opie is in the lead. I gotta admit, it does seem like a good fit!

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The new opossum joins dozens of other wildlife ambassadors at Blanford Nature Center that include owls, hawks, rabbits, flying squirrels, a porcupine, a bobcat, reptiles, and more. Hang out with farm animals too like chickens, goats, and sheep.