Animal Connections Village - Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Welcome to the neighborhood! Animal Connections Village is a charming habitat located on Level 2 of the original aquarium. Complete with tiny fences and mailboxes, this community is home to several of our rescued mammal residents, including opossums, chinchillas, and sugar gliders. Stop by and learn about their unique stories and our ongoing rescue efforts!

Presented by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

Exhibit Details

Species in this Area: Virginia Opossum, Sugar Glider, Chinchilla

Location: Level 2 Original CMA

Explore the Exhibit

Mammal Species

Virginia Opossum

(Didelphis virginiana)

AVERAGE SIZE: 4-12 pounds
HABITAT: The opossum inhabits a diverse range of environments, including forests, swamps, and urban areas. They commonly seek shelter in trees, animal dens, barns, sheds, and under human structures.
Opossum Smell: Not only do opossums play “dead” when they become scared they also release a foul-smelling liquid from their lower half. This allows them to mimic the smell and state of other dead organisms which acts as a warning to other animals. While opossums may smell unpleasant this is just a part of their defense strategy

DIET: As omnivores, Virginia opossums have a varied diet that includes plants, insects, small animals, and carrion.
Range: Range from Southern Canada to Nicaragua and Honduras.

Benjamin’s Rescue Story:

The exhibit features Benjamin the opossum, who has been acclimating to his habitat since CMA welcomed him in September 2024. He was brought to CMA for rehabilitation from the Nature World Wildlife Rescue from Homosassa Springs, Florida after he was attacked by a dog when he was about one month old.

Because he was shaken, he currently exhibits long-lasting neurologic and physical deficits, including the inability to balance, curving/tilting to the right, inability to turn or climb down trees, and inability to hold an item and balance simultaneously. Benjamin was approximately five months old and weighed about five pounds in November 2024.

Conservation Efforts:

As opportunistic feeders, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion, venomous snakes and diseased ticks. However, their foraging near busy roads exposes them to significant risks from speeding vehicles. Maintaining healthy habitats for the opossum helps to protect them.

How You Can Help:

Leaving opossums undisturbed and promoting education about these animals and their habitats is essential for their conservation and for ensuring their survival for future generations.