'Aggressive' albino raccoon turns 'loving' at Georgia sanctuary

WINTERVILLE, Ga., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A Georgia wildlife sanctuary said its unusual new resident -- a 4-year-old albino raccoon -- quickly transformed from "aggressive" to affectionate.

A New Hope Animal Sanctuary in Winterville said the raccoon, named Isis after the Egyptian goddess of life and magic, was one of several animals found suffering from severe neglect in suspended wire cages.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources brought the raccoon to the sanctuary while officials searched for a permanent home, warning officials that the animal was "highly aggressive."

"The minute we showed her kindness she blossomed into an incredibly loving animal. Since then, she has wanted nothing more than to be pet, held, and loved by the only people who have ever treated her with compassion," the sanctuary said on its website.

Isis was introduced to another raccoon named Ghost, and the two became fast friends, the sanctuary said in a Facebook post.

"We think these two are gonna get along great!" the post said.

Maxine Baird, founder and director of the sanctuary, said Isis has been staying inside her house while she recovers from injuries sustained during her old life in the cage.

"She's so gentle, she's so loving," Baird told The Dodo. "She spent the last couple days glued to my side, sleeping on my lap, having me carry her around, cuddling, giving me little kisses. I just saw a complete 180-degree flip in her personality the minute she was exposed to some kindness. All it took was a couple scratches on the head and she completely attached herself to me."