Ringo, our adorable Ringtail possum,
has decided he really doesn't want to be a possum
and after a failed soft release is now a permanent resident at Roo Gully.

Ringo came to live with us in October 2006,
after his mother was killed by a cat.

Ringo lived in his tree house
in Carol's bedroom.

But being nocturnal, it wasn't long
before everyone else in the house
was becoming nocturnal too!

So every night Ringo helped with the washing up.

And was then taken to an outside enclosure.

And every morning.

He had his breakfast in style.

And sleeping throughout the day
in his tree in the bedroom.

A few weeks after Ringo arrive
we also offered a home to another Ringtail possum.

Penelope was also orphaned by a cat.

However she was always gentle
and everyone loved her.

Sadly Penelope didn't like Ringo so they could not be housed together.

Our 2 possums lived with us for several months
and both were doing very well.
So we cut down the time they spent with us
in preparation for a soft release.

This was much harder for Ringo who loved being with people.

But we did it.

And in early March we took Ringo and Penelope
to Tortoiseshell Farm near Bridgetown.

Sean and Sheila, who own the property,
had screwed 2 eskies (coolers) onto trees about 35 metres apart.
These would help protect the possums from the heat.

And there was a place inside each box
for the food and water bowls.

Saying good bye wasn't easy.

But Penelope was very curious with her new surroundings
before settling down to sleep in her own pouch hanging inside.

Ringo was not so eager.

He looked around more warily.

And then hid inside his pouch.

Sean and Sheila monitored the possums every day
and gave them food and water every evening.

Penelope was doing very well,
but Ringo would run down a tree trunk for a cuddle every time he saw someone.

Then, even though the food and water was still going,
both possums were not seen.
This was a sign they could have found a new home.

But where was Ringo?

We found out a few later when he turned up at Sheila and Sean's house.
He had travelled over a kilometre,
had lost a lot of weight and looked very sorry for himself.

It was very obvious Ringo didn't want to be a wild possum,
and that is often the problem when wildlife is raised from such a young age.

Ringo is now back at Roo Gully, and is back to his old self.

He is also a very happy young possum too.

And Penelope is still doing well in her new home
where we hope she will find a mate from the local Ringtail population.

'Ringo Home Again' © Roo Gully 2007

Photos courtesy of Roo Gully, Laura Keighley,
Sandra van der Poel, Susanne Kessens, Stephanie Jones, Sara Caretti.

When we found out that the Boyup Brook Telecentre
had organised a venomous snake handling course,
we decided, that being the local wildlife sanctuary,
we should perhaps send a few Roo Gully team members along.
The team turned out to be Carol, Shelley, Bunnie and a reluctant Mike, as our cameraman!
What a day that turned out to be!

We apologise in advance that some of the pics we are posting might not quite be in focus
but snakes move very fast indeed, as we all found out.
And Mike was having to keep as eye on where they were at all times!

Our tutor was Brian Bush.
Who is enthusiastic and very passionate about reptiles.

Brian continued to relax us with his tales of Australian wildlife,
which was good for those who were attending the first part of the course
to try and reduce their fear of snakes, and also good for the rest of us
who were staring at a large metal box with locks and warning signs!

Slowly Brian produced his array of snakes,
starting with the non venomous.

And even the 'cuddly'.

Most people enjoyed this close interaction.
But Brian really enjoyed introducing these harmless reptiles
to the more nervous in the group.

He also brought along this massive Rainbow Serpent.

A non venomous snake that kills its prey by constriction.

It was a magnificent creature.

In fact it was a very curious snake.

And onto the floor.

It was good to touch all these snakes
but the main purpose of the course was feeling comfortable about being around, and capturing,
the dangerous reptiles we encounter at some time or other living in the bush.

And Brian had a very attentive audience.

Luckily he kept a firm hold of the snake
when it decided to check out a few humans.

Then Brian showed us how to catch a snake.

But Brian made it look easy,
and when the snake was safely in the bag
he demonstrated his famous wiggle.

Then it was our turn!
And it seemed the snakes knew it!

After a very aggressive display.

And boy were the Brown snakes fast!

But, with Brian's exuberant enthusiasm, we each went after our snakes,
sticking to our task despite them striking at the bags.

Eventually each one disappeared inside that black bag.

Much to our relief!

And the famous 'Brian Wiggle' followed each successful capture!

Then we had to capture a very different reptile - the much feared Tiger snake.
This snake has a reputation for being aggressive
but the fact is it is a slower moving snake
and therefore displays aggression when it has to defend itself.

The one we had to catch was also heavier than the Brown snakes
and took some holding down with the snake stick.

But eventually it saw the bag.

And obliged by slithering inside.

Getting the snake inside the bag was not the end of the story.
It had to be removed for the next person to catch it.
And some were not happy about being tipped out!

There were also a couple of problem snakes.

Luckily it went straight by him.

And slithered under the door.

This is where is all got a bit tricky.

But it slipped from underneath the stick.

Brian quickly stepped in
and the snake went underneath his boot!

There was another close call.

This snake was very angry.

In the beginning he struck at the stick.

But his anger was rising.

And with amazing speed he turned
and struck at the catcher.

It was very close!

But when the snake struck again

Seeking the darkness
it slithered inside.

And full of admiration for the catcher.

Although there were a lot of raised heart rates during the day
it was a great course to take.

Brain Bush is a very experienced and entertaining tutor.
Visit his web site and see some of his amazing work,
and maybe sign up for the Venomous Snake Handling course!

'Snake Handling Course' © Roo Gully 2007

Photos courtesy of Roo Gully.