SIX tiny possums have been rescued after being “cruelly” abandoned and left “to fend for themselves” in a box outside a Lidl supermarket in West Lothian.
The sugar gliders, a nocturnal tropical species native to Australia, were discovered after being discarded in a box earlier this month.
Five Sisters Zoo, West Lothian, were alerted to the “shocking” abandonment of the tiny animals by Police Scotland and the Scottish SPCA.
The zoo said the six possums were left to fend for themselves in the “harsh Scottish winter” which did not give them the “best chance of survival”.
The sugar gliders, who have yet to be named, are now under the care of the Five Sisters Zoo and are undergoing a 30-day quarantine period.
In a statement, the zoo said a dedicated animal care team is closely assessing the animals' health and behaviour to ensure they receive the attention and support they need to recover from their ordeal.
A spokesperson for Five Sisters Zoo said: “While the zoo cannot accommodate every animal in need, we remain committed to our rescue efforts and are always eager to help whenever possible.”
They added: “Be sure to follow our social media for updates on their progress and to find out when you can meet these resilient little survivors!”
The rescue is part of Five Sisters’ longstanding commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need, the zoo said.
The zoo has provided homes to many rescued animals over the years, including bears and lions saved from travelling circuses, roadside restaurants, and even war zones.
