Rescued Wombat Starts New Life at Reptile Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 11, 2021 11:15 pm

Poppy, the rescued common wombat joey is held by keeper Dan Rumsey at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park have provided a second chance at life for a common wombat joey rescued after its mother was hit by a car. Poppy the wombat is settling in at her new home where she is already winning the hearts of staff.

Currently the joey is receiving round-the-clock care from staff at the Central Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Poppy was found by a passer-by after her mother was hit and killed by a car. She was found alone in her mother’s pouch. They brought her to the Australian Reptile Park where zookeeper Daniel Rumsey has taken on her care including round the clock care which involves a bottle feed at 3am.

Poppy, the rescued common wombat joey is held by keeper Dan Rumsey at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Daniel Rumsey says “It’s always hit and miss with little orphans like Poppy. It’s hard to know if they’ve been exposed to disease, are malnourished, or even injured in the accident. She has pulled through like a true champion. Poppy is full of beans and has quickly won over everyone here at The Australian Reptile Park. She’ll follow you everywhere you go, loves cuddles and loves her bottles even more!”

Mr Rumsey goes on to explain “Cars are one of the biggest threats to Aussie wildlife. With so many people now out on the roads after New South Wales is opening back after lockdown, we are calling for people to slow down. So many animals are killed by vehicles each year and if we all took a little more care, we can decrease the number dramatically!”

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Poppy will spend the next 12 months being care for at the Australian Reptile Park. At that point it will be determined if she is strong enough to be returned to the wild.

Visitors will be able to meet the joey as part of an animal encounter.

Learn more about Common Wombats here – Common Wombat Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Australian Reptile Park on their website – Australian Reptile Park

Poppy, the rescued common wombat joey explores her new home at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park