Meet Scrump: Our Newest Animal Ambassador!

Scrump Virginia Opossum looking at the camera with treats at her feet.
We’re excited to introduce little Scrump Virginia Opossum, our newest resident and ambassador at the Animal Park!  Born around May 2024, Scrump has already spunkily overcome some challenging circumstances. Her mother was found injured, and after receiving emergency veterinary care, was able to return to the wild—but was not quite strong enough to properly care for all of her many young. So alternative plans were made for Scrump and a sibling.

Scrump Virginia OpossumAfter joining us at the Park, Scrump is not just surviving but thriving! She has quickly become a staff and volunteer favorite with her brave and curious spirit. She loves to explore, including climbing onto her keepers’ shoulders for a better view of her surroundings. And whether she’s snacking on mealworms or a juicy piece of fruit, she has an enthusiastic appetite, digging into and savouring each offering.

Scrump Virginia Opossum being handled by Animal Park Staff Members.As our newest educational animal ambassador, Scrump will help us teach visitors about her fascinating—and often underappreciated—species. We’re excited for you to meet her and learn more about these NC-native creatures. She’s an adorable reminder that interesting wildlife doesn’t only exist on the other side of the world; it’s in our own back yard, too. Book your visit and come say hello!

Want to show Scrump some love? Consider becoming her adopter (as a Guardian of the Pride) or frequent visitor (as a Member of the Pride with unlimited Adventure Tours). Visit animalparknc.org/membership for more info. You can also donate towards her new habitat and diet. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Park and our animal residents!

Scrump Virginia Opossum

Family Adventures

Have you ever looked a lion, tiger, leopard, or wolf in the eye? Had a “conversation” with a jungle cat? Witnessed the flickering tufts of a caracal’s ear? What on earth is a binturong—and why is it so important to its natural ecosystem?

Discover all this and much more when you join us for an Adventure tour at the Animal Park!