Aussie Zoo Devastated After The World’s Oldest Wombat Dies

Employees at the National Zoo and Aquarium are devastated after their beloved Winnie the wombat died due to old age.

The wombat was a whopping 32-years-old, which is more than double the average life span of the animal.

In captivity they've got an average life span of 20 years, so Winnie was certainly an exceptional beast.

The National Zoo and Aquarium has posted a message on Facebook farewelling their oldest resident and the oldest wombat in the world.

"Winnie's health had been deteriorating over the past few weeks due to her progressing age. As always, the welfare of our animals is the highest priority and the difficult decision was made to ease her of any pain or discomfort.

"Winnie was our longest resident, arriving before the National Zoo & Aquarium was established over 27 years ago. She is believed to have been the oldest wombat in the world, at the grand age of 32.

"Winnie was well known for her high-spirited personality and would love to roll up in her favourite blankets when the weather became a little chilly. She loved large enrichment toys, like plastic garbage bins, and would happily spend the day (when she wasn't napping!) bunting and knocking them around her enclosure.

"Her favourite foods were corn and grated carrot. Her keepers made sure to add both to meals as she was a very fussy eater and wouldn't eat her food otherwise!

"Winnie was adored by our staff and visitors and we treasure the memories of the time she had with us. Our sincere thanks to all staff who cared for and loved her.

"In memory of Winnie, we have set up 'Winnie's Foundation' to assist in wombat conservation with a focus on sarcoptic mange in our regional wombat populations."

People have shared pictures and memories meeting Winnie during their trips to the zoo, showing she really was a fan favourite.

She had more than 1,200 followers on Facebook, surely making her one of the most popular captive animals in Australia.

While wombats are really a celebrated part of Aussie culture, it's still sad when the oldest in the world departs us.

Featured Image Credit: National Zoo and Aquarium/Facebook

Topics: Community, Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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