Sometimes you see an animal so striking and unique that it’s hard to believe it’s even real. That’s definitely the case for one fascinating rescue animal who has won hearts all over the internet for its beautiful color.
Meet the Golden Possum:
Bet you’ve never seen a possum like this. This striking creature came to Boronia Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital, in Victoria, Australia, in 2018.
“She’s a rare golden variety of the Common Brushtail Possum,” the clinic wrote on Facebook. “The golden colour occurs due to a mutation which causes a low level of the pigment melanin which gives them their normal colour.”
He’s pretty adorable… but unfortunately, the thing that makes him so special to us also puts him at a major risk in the wild.
“They are so rare in the wild,” they wrote. “Although their bright colour makes them look special to us, they also stand out to predators!”
Luckily, this little guy won’t have anything to worry about: he will get to grow up in the safety of the wildlife sanctuary.
While possums aren’t usually described as adorable, this little guy went viral. People couldn’t get enough, comparing him to a Pokemon character.
“Never thought I’d get to see a Pikachu in real life!” wrote one of the possum’s carers on Instagram.
We love this possum! Hope he has a great long life in the sanctuary! Share these photos of this incredible, unique animal!
