ORLANDO, FL – A local airport gift shop employee, Brenda Jenkins, has been lauded by management and airport security alike after correctly identifying a live Virginia opossum nestled among the store's plush toy selection. The incident, which occurred Tuesday morning, marks a significant breakthrough in retail animal detection protocols, previously thought to be unnecessary.

“It’s a testament to Brenda’s dedication that she could tell the difference,” stated Airport Retail Operations Manager, Gary Pinter, at a hastily arranged press conference. “Most people just assume all marsupials in a gift shop are either made of polyester or have a barcode. Brenda saw the subtle twitch of an ear, the authentic glint in its eye, and knew this wasn’t just another $24.99 souvenir.”

Jenkins, who has worked at the 'Florida Fun Finds' gift shop for seven years, described the experience as “just another Tuesday.” She reportedly noticed the possum, later nicknamed 'Souvenir Sam,' when attempting to straighten a display of alligator-themed keychains. “He looked a little too… authentic,” Jenkins explained, adding that the lack of a 'Made in China' tag was her first clue.

Airport authorities confirmed 'Souvenir Sam' was safely relocated to a nearby wooded area, not before posing for several selfies with bewildered travelers. The incident has prompted a review of all airport gift shop inventory, with new guidelines expected to include 'sniff tests' and 'poke with a stick' protocols for any suspiciously realistic merchandise.

Jenkins is now being considered for a newly created 'Live Merchandise Identification Specialist' position, with a significant pay raise. Her achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of retail workers to question everything they see on the shelves.