Wandi the wombat settles in big smoke
Where is Wandi the Wombat?
No, it's not the title of a children's book, but the long-term resident of Coolgardie's Hopbush Wildlife Sanctuary has left the Goldfields and is settling in at her new home at Perth Zoo.
Departing Hopbush at three years old and weighing a hefty 27kg, Wandi came to Goldfields Wildlife Rehabilitators wildlife co-ordinator Rowena Walker at a measly 4kg after being rescued in the northern Goldfields.
Ms Walker admitted seeing Wandi depart had been upsetting, but also said that being part of Perth Zoo's southern hairy-nosed wombat breeding program was a major boon for the species.
"I hated letting her go but it is the best thing for her," she said.
The wildlife carer said Perth Zoo had informed her Wandi had now left the quarantine area and was acclimatising to her new enclosure before meeting the zoo's other two resident wombats face to face.
Readers may also remember Hopbush's other resident wombat, Vinny, who went on an unsanctioned wander from the wildlife sanctuary earlier this year but was found safe and sound a few days later.
Ms Walker said Vinny was enjoying ruling the roost since Wandi's departure.
"Vinny is quite happy that she's gone; he's got control over everything now," she said.
Now 18 months old Vinny has developed a great talent for burrowing, according to Ms Walker.
"He's a much better digger than Wandi, there are burrows bloody everywhere," she said.
People who see injured or orphaned wildlife are encouraged to call the GWR on 0409 294 661, 0477 352 518, 0407 387 473 or 9026 7630.
