Sherman the old man Hedgehog

I wanted to do a bit on Sherman the African pygmy hedgehog. A few days ago we got an email from Sherman's original owner who gave him to Animal Wonders because she realized that with her changing life she just couldn't give him the home he needed anymore. It's been almost three years! Sherman has been an amazing Animal Ambassador and has touched hundreds of lives with his antics on stage. He's such a happy-go-lucky hedgehog and doesn't mind loud audiences or being handled. He was obviously loved when he was young and we've had the privilege of being able to work with him these last few years.

Sherman is getting on in years. He's almost 6 years old! That is really old for a hedgehog, many only live 4-5 years while others can live around 7. Hedgehogs are insectivores and they have a very high metabolism, meaning they need to eat a lot because they digest their food very fast. Sherman is showing signs of his old; he developed a cataract on his left eye a few months ago and is almost completely blind on that side. A few weeks ago his right eye started to develop a cataract as well. Hedgehogs do not have very good eyesight normally, so Sherman is comfortable using his excellent sense of smell to get around and find his food. Recently Sherman's old man legs have become a bit wobbly. He now eats out of a short food dish and all of his food is wetted down for easier munching. We're happy to accommodate Sherman's needs and we still love to watch him grab up a large kingworm and crunch it down, with surprising agility!

We will continue to provide Sherman with all the comforts he so deeply deserves until he crosses over the rainbow bridge. Until then, we will enjoy his endearing personality and share him with the audiences of Montana.

Sherman in 2010. Politely enduring a holiday photo shoot.

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