Beyond the Rainbow: The Final Playground of Little Squirrel Bam

On a very hot and sunny day, August 15, 2023, my heart grew richer with a small, adorable being. The story of Bam, the baby squirrel I raised with a syringe, is a tale of love, courage, and a loss I will remember for the rest of my life.

Bam was found two days after we discovered her brothers, Bim and Bum. She was hiding in dense bushes, alone, without the closeness of her brothers with whom she had shared the first moments of her life. It took us several hours to reach her, and her little, frightened eyes immediately captured our hearts. Despite being separated from her brothers, Bam showed an incredible will to live. She was resourceful, spirited, and strong-willed, despite being dehydrated, vulnerable, and helpless.

Her first aid was a syringe with a bit of water mixed with a pinch of salt and sugar. I carefully hydrated her every fifteen minutes, watching her tiny body fight and recover. After five hours, we brought her to her brothers, who immediately accepted her and rejoiced that their sister was finally with them.

For two months, we were a family. Bim, Bum, and Bam became part of our lives, teaching us about strength, love, and togetherness. When they turned three months old, we handed them over to the Zagreb Zoo with heavy hearts, believing it was best for them since we couldn't keep them in our apartment until spring. Bam was the most active of all, always the first to come to eat, cuddle a bit, and play. Her curiosity and energy were boundless.

However, yesterday, February 7, 2024, my heart was heavy with sad news from Zagreb. Our dear Bam had passed away. Last fall, after she broke her leg, she was separated from her brothers and placed in the vet clinic. Although they took good care of her and her leg healed nicely, Bam developed kidney problems that ultimately were too much for her little body.

The loss of Bam has left a void not only in our hearts but also in the lives of Bim and Bum. We hope that Bam now, free from pain, is burying hazelnuts beyond the rainbow, playing with Koki, Tooth Fairy, and other little souls who have left us in previous years.

Rest in peace, our dear little Bam. Your spirit, courage, and love will forever live in our hearts. As Bim and Bum continue without their sister, your story will remain a reminder of the fragility of life and the depth of the bonds we form, regardless of species. We miss you dearly and are grateful for every moment spent with you.