Little Amelia has finally taken flight. For all of you who have not been following her story, she is a Southern Flying Squirrel and came to me at just 20g as a baby. When she left she was over 60g and was so happy to be free. I miss her and really worry about her, but I know that she is happy to be flying through the forest!
I was worried about this little gal as she had real problems "flying" (not really flying, it's actually gliding, which they do by spreading out their arms and legs, making the loose skin between them spread out like wings). And several big leaps ended up in her plopping to the ground despite flying lessons- where we practiced flying by her being thrown into the air! She also couldn't seem to figure out how to run on her wheel (seen below sitting on top of it). I thought that perhaps any neural damage she had sustained as a baby might have impaired her abilities.
However, I learned that not all flying squirrels actually do fly/glide! Slowly, she became better and better at running and leaping and was soon getting around the house like a little superstar at top speed. And she began to use her wheel quite well. And then I knew it was time to send her on her way.
I wish her all the best and she know she can always come back if she needs to. I've heard some flying squirrels "talking" late at night from my window and wonder whether it might be her. She was really a dearheart to have as a patient. Goodbye little sweet Amelia and fly well!
