All images and scientific facts on this page unless
otherwise stated are credited to William J. Krause.  

William J. Krause II has had a distinguished career in academia, marked by a deep commitment to teaching and service in the field of anatomy. After obtaining his BA in Biology from Augustana College in 1964, he went on to earn an MS and then a PhD in Anatomy. His academic journey led him to the University of Missouri, where he dedicated 44 years to education and research, rising from assistant professor to full professor. Beyond Missouri, Krause's influence extended internationally, with lecturing roles and visiting professorships in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Grenada. Throughout his tenure, he played an integral role in curriculum development and admissions, and contributed to NASA's project evaluations. His leadership was further recognized when he served as the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences. Upon his retirement in 2015, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his outstanding service. Post-retirement, Krause has shifted his focus to personal interests such as family genealogy and writing, reflecting a lifelong passion for discovery and storytelling.

​

The narrative of this scientist's career highlights a remarkable journey through the realms of developmental biology and organogenesis, with a particular focus on the North American opossum and Brunner's glands. Starting in the 1960s, he leveraged the unique biological attributes of the opossum, whose short gestation period allows for organ development to be studied postnatally, to pioneer research that would influence tissue and organ engineering. His efforts were supported by the J. B. Reynolds Foundation, which uniquely funded his research directly, bypassing university overheads and enabling the establishment of a breeding colony for opossums, a rare feat at the time. Over several decades, he became a leading authority in his field, contributing significantly through numerous publications, including comprehensive reviews and an atlas on opossum organogenesis. Additionally, his work on Brunner’s glands further established his scientific legacy. His dedication was further illustrated by his extensive bibliography on the opossum, which was eventually digitized and made publicly available. Through his and his wife Winifred's publication for general readers, he shared the fascinating story of the opossum, extending the reach of his scientific insights beyond academic circles. His career, spanning nearly five decades, left a lasting impact on the fields of developmental biology and biomedical research.

​

Recent research has revolutionized the way we care for young opossums by challenging the long-held belief that they must be tube-fed formula until they can eat independently at around 75 days old. While it's true that opossums don't suckle in the conventional sense, they do have the ability to swallow. Capitalizing on this insight, The Original Bunny Nip has ingeniously created a new feeding device specifically for opossums. This innovative "Nip" is designed to be gently inserted into the back of the opossum's mouth, allowing milk to be advanced slowly, facilitating safe swallowing. By controlling the milk flow, caregivers can prevent the risk of aspiration, which occurs when milk is advanced too rapidly, potentially entering the nose. This advancement not only simplifies the feeding process but also enhances the safety and well-being of these fascinating marsupials during their early development.

​

By addressing the specific needs of these marsupials, The Original Bunny Nip Opossum Tubes & Bulb Nips provide a safer, more efficient method of feeding that reduces the risk of injury and stress during the critical early stages of development. This approach underscores the importance of understanding species-specific anatomy and behaviors in wildlife care, offering a tailored solution that respects the natural physiology of young opossums. Moreover, the development of such specialized tools reflects a growing commitment to humane and effective wildlife rehabilitation practices. As knowledge and technology continue to evolve, products like these not only benefit the animals directly involved but also contribute to broader conservation efforts by improving survival rates and fostering healthier populations.