The “special old lady” finally has a place to call home — and a name.
The helpless raccoon was found trapped in cement last June in Arizona is now officially a permanent resident of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, the facility announced. And she’s now known as Gypsy, so named for the ingredient gypsum which helps form cement.
“Considering her old age and medical challenges (not to mention her bad luck!) we feel it’s best for her to become a permanent resident at our sanctuary,” the center posted on Facebook Saturday night.
The animal would have died if construction workers hadn’t stepped in to help.
The center hoped she could be a candidate for release.
But as she recovered from her ordeal, staff noticed a laceration that wouldn’t heal on her hip.
It turns out she tested positive for Valley Fever, a fungal infection common in the region. Fungal spores can get under the skin and cause a serious infection. It’s rare, but it can happen.
“This appears to be why her wound wasn’t responding well to treatment. Once she was started on an anti-fungal medication her healing and health began to improve,” officials explained.
Now, Gypsy needs daily medications to keep the Valley Fever under control.
But she’s really in no shape to leave.
But Gypsy has stepped in to help the young raccoons along.
She’s currently has one under her tutelage.
“The good news is that Gypsy has become a wonderful foster mother (or maybe grandmother) for a single, orphaned raccoon kit awaiting release,” the facility added.
“She’s a special old lady,” the center said.
And so, it’s a happy ending for one very lucky, senior citizen raccoon.
“Like so many animals who find their way to our door,” the centre said, adding its thanks for the public’s support. “Gypsy needed a helping hand and you were there to provide it!”
Photos Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center/Facebook