Australia has the only two monotremes in the world. A monotreme is a mammal that lays an egg. The two types of monotremes are the echidna and the platypus. I’ve never had a platypus in care – but I have had a few echidnas, see my earlier posts. The baby echidna is called a puggle.Continue reading “A Puggle – a baby echidna”
Tag Archives: love
Natalie – release. The final chapter!
After failing to release Natalie the first time, I called on a few swans to help me! Actually I called on another wildlife carer who had two swans in care. I needed some swans to show Natalie that she’s not ‘just like me’, but is rather, just like them! We always try to pair upContinue reading “Natalie – release. The final chapter!”
Natalie (the black swan) release. Part 1 !
Natalie is over four months old. At this stage of development, young swans are ready to leave their parents and go their own way. Natalie demonstrated all the necessary survival skills – seeking water if concerned (for safety), finding food and long run offs to practise her flying! The time came to release Natalie! ReleaseContinue reading “Natalie (the black swan) release. Part 1 !”
Natalie – the black swan!
Many cygnets (baby swans) come into care. This story is about Natalie ~ who was named after Natalie Portman, from the film The Black Swan! Natalie was handed into a vet clinic by a member of the public. The member of the public told the vet that Natalie was found alone by the side ofContinue reading “Natalie – the black swan!”
Crimson and Eastern Rosellas
Most people I meet love wildlife. They are fascinated by stories of cute wombat and possum joeys. But as soon as I talk about birds, people are turned off. Birds in care are lovely! Especially our Crimson (my favorite) and Eastern rosellas. Rosellas are native to Australia. They nest in hollows in trees and areContinue reading “Crimson and Eastern Rosellas”
When things go wrong – wombat runaway!
This is the story of Merlin, a wombat escapee! Merlin was due for release (weighing around 23 kilos) but instead of waiting for a suitable release site, he burrowed out of his enclosure, out of the garden and escaped around Mt Ainslie, one of the reserves in Canberra. Although technically ‘in the wild’, escaping intoContinue reading “When things go wrong – wombat runaway!”
Flashback fun!
One month ago today, Elsie and Barney were released safely into the wild! With four possums in care and the arrival of two cygnets, I remain busy – plus I still teach in a primary school every day. However each day I look outside at the wombat enclosure (where my pet rabbit now runs free)Continue reading “Flashback fun!”
Bonding to …… goodbye !
For those readers new to my blog – welcome! Other readers will know the story of Elsie and Barney. But let me re-cap – Elsie arrived weighing just 120 grams – so tiny! She is the tiniest wombat joey I have ever had the privilege to worked with. Barney joined Elsie months later weighing 600Continue reading “Bonding to …… goodbye !”
October 22 – Wombat Day!
Yes, there’s actually a day these delightful creatures are celebrated – October 22nd! It started around 2005 and ever since then Oct 22 is known as Wombat Day in Australia. Some call it World wombat day, but I doubt half the world even knows about wombats (despite my blog!) let alone celebrates them! The dayContinue reading “October 22 – Wombat Day!”
Are wombats vicious?
Are wombats vicious or dangerous? This is one question I am asked the most! Like any of us, wombats will protect themselves, their young and their territory. A wombat’s first response is to run for the safety of their burrow! Once they are at the entrance of their burrow they will use their large bodyContinue reading “Are wombats vicious?”
Working with Australian Wildlife - Helen Hardy 