A total of five chinchillas in very bad shape were let go this Covid-19 circuit breaker season apparently without much hesitation by the owner.

Fortunately, they were adopted by Derrick Tan, president of non-profit welfare group, Voices For Animals.

Tan posted about his adoption of the chinchillas on May 29.

Covered in urine

He wrote that he chanced upon a post showing chinchillas in "extremely bad shape and severely matted fur" as a result of the creatures being covered in urine.

Tan said the smell was "horrendous".

Tan also revealed that the adoption process was smooth and carried out via telecommunications.

But the adoption was not seen through out of mere goodwill as Tan had to resort to paying for them.

The owner, Tan wrote, decided to let the chinchillas go "at a token which I had agreed".

Will put them up for adoption

Tan also said he proceeded to groom the chinchillas by himself and he will be putting them up for adoption when he feels they are ready.

However, he reminded potential adopters that chinchillas "are not a pet that everyone can handle although they are cute”.

Emergency treatment

Tan updated on May 30 that one of the chinchillas was sent to the veterinary for emergency treatment.

It was unable to walk and was lying down, and the X-ray showed it had a bad pelvic fracture.

Tan wrote about the diagnosis: "The broken bones has also caused her to have difficulty is passing motion, she is in a very bad condition, much worse than we all expected."

The chinchilla is currently on pain relief and cared for by a fosterer.

Tan also revealed the vet provided free treatment in this case.

On May 31, Tan wrote that the chinchilla has to be forced fed and given medication.

He also said he hoped he did the right thing by deciding to take over the chinchillas at such short notice.