Brigette Brouillard has always been surrounded by animals. As the founder of Second Chances Wildlife Center, she spends her days caring for creatures like bats, squirrels, and skunks. But even for an animal expert like Brouillard, some moments are still full of surprises. Recently, she discovered her resident opossum, Yeti, blending in perfectly among a box of stuffed animals. And no, it wasn’t an accident.
A Cozy Surprise
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Brouillard shared with a laugh. Yeti, a special-needs opossum who has lived at the sanctuary since 2022, had climbed into a basket of plush toys to settle in for a nap. What amazed Brouillard the most wasn’t that Yeti chose this cozy spot but that she managed to climb into a basket perched several feet off the ground. “She’s used to sneaking into lower baskets, but this one was a challenge,” Brouillard explained.
The basket quickly became Yeti’s new favorite perch. “It’s soft, warm, and safe for her,” Brouillard said. “She’s claimed it as her own, and I can’t blame her!”
A Sanctuary for All
Yeti’s story is a testament to the care and love she receives at Second Chances Wildlife Center. As a special-needs opossum, Yeti cannot return to the wild. But at the sanctuary, she has found a forever home filled with safety, enrichment, and plenty of snuggly hiding spots.
Watching Yeti tuck herself in among the toys is one of Brouillard’s favorite sights. “She’s so meticulous,” she said. “Sometimes she’ll burrow completely under the toys, and other times, you’ll just see her little head and paws peeking out like she’s a person under a blanket.”
Why Wildlife Deserves Comfort Too ?
Wildlife sanctuaries like Second Chances play a crucial role in providing care for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. For animals like Yeti, who might otherwise struggle, these sanctuaries offer a second chance at life. Brouillard emphasized the importance of creating environments where animals feel safe and secure.
“When animals like Yeti show behaviors that make them happy and comfortable, it reminds us why this work matters,” she said. “It’s about giving them the best quality of life possible.”
A Life Well Lived
Yeti’s antics might seem small, but they’re a heartwarming reminder of how far kindness and care can go. In her soft basket of toys, surrounded by people who adore her, Yeti is living a life of comfort and joy. And for Brouillard, seeing Yeti thrive is the greatest reward.
“Every time I see her snuggled up, it makes me smile,” Brouillard said. “She’s safe, she’s loved, and she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.”
