There Be Wombats Here! - December 15, 2010

Our Rio Grande Zoo has the privilege - nay, the great joy - of being the only zoo in North America to be home to Tasmanian Wombats! We so rock! Go us, go us! So on a sunny, if somewhat chilly winter's day, the boys and I decided to go check out these most fascinated friends from afar.

The wombat habitat is right next to the Seals and Sea Lions' home, so we had to stop by and tell them what we were up to.

 

But no more dilly-dallying! We must welcome these new animals from the Southern Hemisphere. And it just so happens that today was the first day they were on exhibit.

Our first glimpse! The zookeeper is out with the wombat to make sure he feels safe and comfortable in his new home.

Isn't he the most delightful creature you have ever seen. So furry, cuddly, and teddy-bear like! Don't believe me?

 

Take a look at this!

The zookeeper said that this little guy is still a juvenile at about 2 years old. He weighs about 25 pounds and is very playful, yet still a wild animal. We got to see him chase her about the habitat and nip at her heels.

Even so, the two did show a special comraderie. I'm so jealous. I wish I could be in there with him giving him a scratch on the back.

 

Three wombats came to stay. Two males and one female. According to the zookeeper, the female isn't fond of the males yet and when they are put together she ends up chasing them about and trying to beat them up. But who knows, maybe someday there will be a baby wombat to melt our hearts.