NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A New Orleans man’s pet opossum has been confiscated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and a local artist is joining the owner’s fight to save it.
“Some people may think that Saffron’s just an animal that I should let go,” said Saffron’s owner William Voiles.
Voiles is having a hard time letting go of his pet opossum named Saffron.
Saffron was confiscated by the LDWF in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras.
“He was trying like crazy to come back to me when they were taking him. He was reaching out to me like a little baby was reaching out to his mom,” said Voiles.
Now, Voiles is reaching out to the public to help with a petition to save Saffron.
“The people of New Orleans love him, and they love seeing him,” said Voiles.
Local artist Carolyn Broussard loves Saffron so much that she made posters to put around town to make it easier to sign the petitions.
“If you see one of the posters, there’s a QR-code at bottom,” said Broussard.
Time is of the essence, as there are many questions about what will happen to Saffron since he can’t go back into the wild.
Originally, Voiles was told that Saffron was taken to Louisiana State University’s Biology Department, but it is unclear if Saffron is still there or what will happen to him next. Voiles said Saffron is unfit to go back into the wild since he raised him ever since he was born.
“So much of the quirky life, blood of this city is just being able to walk down the street to see an opossum,” said Broussard.
In a statement sent to WGNO, LDWF officials said, “It is the duty of LDWF to uphold the laws of the state to manage, conserve and promote Louisiana wildlife and natural resources. Louisiana law states that opossums are illegal to possess in Louisiana without a permit.”
“I understand there are licenses. Help the guy get the licenses. Don’t just take away his pet that he raised from a baby that would’ve died otherwise,” said Broussard.
“I miss him bad. I am hoping and praying that I get him back,” said Voiles.
Saffron’s whereabouts are still unknown at this time.
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