Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Nabs PETA Award for Rescue of Orphaned Baby Opossums

For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2025

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

Tampa, Fla. –

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in recognition of Deputy Baldwin’s kindness and determination in rescuing seven baby opossums after finding their mother dead on the side of the road while on patrol on March 19.

After remembering that baby opossums can survive for hours in their mother’s pouch even after she’s died, Deputy Baldwin pulled over to take a closer look and found several of the babies still alive. He rushed them to the BluePearl Pet Hospital on Busch Lake Boulevard, where they are currently receiving specialized care. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office recounted the story on Facebook to remind everyone to call animal control when they spot a dead opossum in the road, writing that the infant animals “deserve a chance at life, and we couldn’t be prouder of Deputy Baldwin for going above and beyond to give them one.”

*Credit: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office*

“Without their mother, these baby opossums were completely helpless and almost certainly would have perished if not for the quick thinking and kindness of Deputy Baldwin,” says PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is honoring his compassion and urges everyone to follow his lead by staying alert when driving and always stopping when they see an animal in need.”

With baby animal season in full swing and wildlife more likely to be on the move, PETA urges drivers to pay extra attention to roads and to slow down to avoid hitting animals. Drivers who encounter an animal crossing the road should pull over safely and, if possible, help the animal get to the other side in the direction they were already heading. Anyone who spots an injured animal should contact their local animal control agency, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator—or, if necessary, 911—and stay with the animal until help arrives.

Baldwin will receive a framed certificate and vegan chocolates.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.