🌱✨ New Life, New Hope: The Arrival of Coco & Van 🐾💫

An unexpected pairing, a joyful surprise, and a new chapter in the Grove

🍼 From “Oops” to Awe: A Surprise from Benji & Mini

Coco and Van were not planned—but they were cherished from the moment we realized they were coming. Benji had been looking for a cage mate, and Mini (mistakenly believed to be her brother Junior) was right below him. Since both gliders seemed lonely, we introduced them, believing they were both males.

…They weren’t.

Though Benji and Mini were both fertile, their pairing was not intentional. We quickly discovered our mistake—but not before this unexpected litter made their debut. And now? We can't imagine the Grove without them.

🎉 Joyful Timing: Born Just After the Tweedles’ Adoption

Coco and Van were born 12 days after the Tweedle twins left for their new home. The timing was bittersweet, filling the quiet they left behind with new squeaks, wiggles, and hope. As the Grove adjusted to the absence of the Tweedles, the Puddingtail twins helped heal our hearts.

🛑 Lineage Disclosure: Honesty First

Benji and Mini’s pairing was unlineaged, and while we take glider lineage seriously, this early pairing occurred before our intentional breeding efforts began. Benji was neutered in June and this will be the last joey set from this combo (we hope, as glider females can hold fertilized eggs for up to a year from the last contact with unneutered males).

We are monitoring Coco and Van closely, and so far they’ve been healthy, strong, and thriving. Transparency matters to us, so we’re upfront about their origins even as we celebrate their vibrant little lives.

🏡 Choosing Their Future With Care

When Coco and Van were born, we already had a loving family lined up—relatives of the person who adopted the Tweedles. They were interested in a pair, and while we originally hoped Lucky and S’morie would be ready, S’morie's health recovery meant a delay.

So, we offered the new twins instead.

Given their unlineaged background, we were extra cautious. Thankfully, both joeys developed beautifully: good weights, strong appetites, healthy fur, and bright energy. We wanted to be sure the transition would be as smooth as possible, so we consulted with our mentor and decided to keep them until they were 8 weeks out-of-pouch (OOP). That gave their new family time to prepare, and most importantly, time to neuter Van before any accidental siblings could appear.

This family had already proven their commitment and responsibility, getting both Tweedles neutered quickly and staying in close communication. With that trust established, we were happy to reserve Coco and Van for them from the moment their sexes were confirmed.

✨ Looking Ahead: A Bittersweet Goodbye

It’s always a mix of feelings when gliders leave our care. We grow attached—how could we not? But knowing they’re headed to a loving, prepared home makes it easier. Coco and Van represent the spirit of the Grove: learning, adapting, and always doing what’s best for the animals. Their arrival reminded us that even unplanned moments can blossom into something joyful.

🖋️ —The Grove Keepers (with Fable Quillvine, Archivist of the Grove)