Clearwater Marine Aquarium Mourns Benjamin, the Opossum Who Overcame a Dog Attack

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is mourning the loss of Benjamin, a Virginia opossum who came to the facility after surviving a dog attack and went on to become a favorite of guests and staff.

According to aquarium officials, Benjamin stopped eating as much as usual and had trouble breathing on Tuesday. Veterinary care staff responded by performing an immediate procedure to treat his condition, but his health declined quickly and he died during the procedure.

What led to the reduced appetite and breathing difficulty has not been made clear.

The aquarium took in Benjamin in September 2024, when he was about five months old. He had survived an attack by a dog at only 1 month old and was left with injuries that affected him for life.

He first arrived at the aquarium for rehabilitation from Nature Wildlife Rescue in Homosassa. His lasting neurological and physical challenges included trouble keeping his balance, a constant tilt to the right, and a limited ability to turn around or climb down trees. He also had difficulty holding objects while balancing.

Even so, Benjamin became a centerpiece of his habitat in the aquarium's Florida Wild & Exotic exhibit, which opened in November 2024. Officials said he also served as an ambassador in the aquarium's Animal Connection program, visiting local schools, hotels and businesses to teach people about conservation efforts.

In a social media post, the aquarium remembered him fondly. "Benji brought joy, curiosity and countless special moments to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," officials wrote. "His story touched the hearts of guests and staff, and his presence helped create a deeper appreciation for opossums and the wildlife that share our world."

The details in this report come from statements and social media posts by Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which described Benjamin's medical care and history.