Buster too loved his bottle, almost as much as his pouch (See Last night Merrilyn part 20). Though we were trying to minimise contact he always managed to talk Stephen into giving him a cuddle post bottle and Stephen knew this would be the last as Buster must stop making contacts with humans. A 50-60kg eastern grey male is not something that you want cuddling humans!
He sucked his last bottle down.
And had one last cuddle.
He seemed to know something was coming to an end.
Bob too loved his bottle and I fed him with Merrilyn.
I wanted to cuddle them both too, but simply didn't have enough arms. I had other joeys in care to feed, but somehow the three musketeers, and especially Merrilyn, had captured my heart in a way no others had. Tears fell as I fed them for the last time.
So now all three were fully weaned, out of their pouches and out of the safety of the pen. They were totally free, 24 hours a day and no longer needed humans to survive. This isn't the end of the story though - not by a long way! Stay tuned for their adventures as they make their way back to a life in the wild.
As you journey in life, think of the animals who don't have a voice of their own, and speak up for them as they live here too. Take care until next time. Cheryl