Rescuing a wombat stranded in the middle of a lake

January 31, 2023 12:14 AM

Being called to rescue a wombat stranded in the middle of a lake was a first for this long-time wildlife carer. [News article and short video] Kylee Donkers has been involved in some very strange rescues over the years, but this animal recovery on a lake on the Victoria-NSW border was a new experience. (Context is that there have been a lot of major floods, which may have swept the wombat into the middle of the lake.)
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (3 comments total)

If you're interested in wombat conservation and feeling brave, look up wombat mange.
Mange is believed to have been introduced to Australia via European settlement and quickly spread to wombats.
Thankfully it can be treated via a dosing contraption placed at the entrance to their burrows but treating wild populations is a challenging endeavor.
You can contribute to wombat conservation efforts via the Wombat Protection Society of Australia.
posted by neonamber at 2:22 AM on January 31, 2023 [4 favorites]

Poor thing, probably stranded for days. Yay for rescue and general YAY for happy news. That fella should be back to pooping cubes soon!
posted by Glinn at 8:10 AM on January 31, 2023 [1 favorite]

If there is a follow-up on how she is doing, please post it here
posted by mumimor at 1:08 PM on January 31, 2023