Thumbelina was born on a chilly March morning in New York. It appeared that this small baby might not survive after being brought to humans and abandoned by her squirrel mother. These people were taken aback when they discovered her in their bed, but they refused to give up on her and gave her to animal rehabilitators. This was the point at which everyone understood Thumbelina was unique.
Hasan Jasim came across a heartwarming story of a small ambassador squirrel. She teaches them a basic truth: “Every tiny life is enormous to the person experiencing it.”
Because her squirrel nest was destroyed, Thumbelina’s mother devised an incredible plan to preserve her children: she snuck into a human’s house. Then mother worked hard to supply everything she needed: she went out in search of leaves and twigs, which she delivered to her children’s new “nest.” The owners were taken aback when they returned home and saw these new “guests” under their pillow.
The mother squirrel worked diligently to provide the “nest” with all of the essential supplies, and she didn’t even consider returning to the wild with her children. She chose not to return, and the two baby sister-squirrels were adopted by their new human family, Christina and Michael, two local rehabbers.
Unfortunately, one of the sisters died only a few hours later, but tiny pink Thumbelina was given a second shot at a better life.
Christina and Michael make every effort to reintroduce rescued squirrels to the wild, but Thumbelina needs particular attention. Thumb was allowed to stay among the humans because she missed out on the birthing season and had practically little relationship with her species.
Thumbelina is unlike her fellow squirrels in that she grew slower, opened her eyes later, and preferred milk over actual food due to her advanced age. Thumb disliked leaping and racing about; instead, she preferred to spend her time snuggling and playing with her new owners.
Other squirrels terrify Thumb. Her own reflection looks to be a source of terror. “She presumably thinks she’s not a squirrel,” her owners speculated.
Thumbelina is now consuming sugar snap peas, arugula, and avocado, as well as “assisting” her human mother with groceries and, of course, playing. Her owners attempt to surround her with love and care on a daily basis, as though every day is a new adventure for her.
“Just chilling with Mommy”
Take a look at this tiny spinach-eating tubby! It’s difficult to stay away from her and not fall in love!
“Who said animals can’t look classy?”
Have you ever attempted to save an animal on your own? Did you keep it with you or return it to its natural habitat?
Preview photo credit Little Thumbelina Girl / Facebook, Little Thumbelina Girl / Facebook