Possum Throwing vs. Possum Rescuing

Part 1:

“Pitt Street possum stops monorail”

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/pitt-street-possum-stops-monorail-20100722-10lyw.html

Part 2:

“Possum-throwing at NZ school slammed”

Sydney Morning Herald – September 23rd

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/possumthrowing-at-nz-school-slammed-20100923-15nnf.html

Part 3:

The first article describes an event in which a Sydney monorail came to a halt when a possum that was injured by a car was rescued from a tree close to the rail. Onlookers gathered to watch the rescue operation and were quoted as calling the possum, named Kevin by his rescuers, “cute” and “adorable.” In New Zealand, where possums are invasive pests that squeeze out native species, it’s more likely that the driver of the monorail would back up to make sure it was a goner (or so they would joke…). One article I read in a paper while in New Zealand was an editorial by a woman expressing her horror as her Australian friends started cooing when a possum became an unexpected picnic guest. The second article describes an incident in which a dead possum throwing contest was held for fun at a school in New Zealand, to the outrage of the SPCA. I really enjoy the contrast between the treatment of possums in each of these countries. The discrepancies demonstrate how much both nations value their native wildlife. Possums are a protected species in Australia, whereas in New Zealand they are poisoned like rats. I have to say, Australian possums are a heck of a lot cuter than the ones that we have in America. I met an Aussie possum in a cemetery (pics on facebook haha) – and I named him Martin. I respect that the Kiwis have a lot to defend, but I will be glad to not be obligated to despise them while in Aus.