Do you remember the first time you saw a wombat in person?
I'm going to guess that unless you live in Australia, you probably haven't actually seen a wombat in person… In fact, before this morning, I don't think I could have even described to you what a wombat looks like!
Wombats are burrowing marsupials native to Australia. These nocturnal herbivores reach a median length of 40 inches and have large buckteeth like a beaver's, as well as long claws for digging. Though not as revered as some of Australia's other native animals like koalas and kangaroos (because of their tendency to be a nuisance to farmers), the wombat still has a special place in many people's hearts.
Patrick the wombat is the unofficial "wombassador" for Ballarat Wildlife Park in Victoria, Australia — and now that he's just celebrated his 29th birthday, he's the record holder for oldest and largest living wombat.
When I saw the photos of Patrick, I just had to share. I don't know that I'd actually seen a wombat before!
Please SHARE these photos of Patrick if you love interesting wildlife!
Знакомьтесь, это самый старый вомбат в мире Патрик. Он живёт в австралийском заповеднике, и его очень любят посетители.© Видео Ruptly
Posted by Lenta.Ru on Monday, April 6, 2015
Wombats are nocturnal animals, so they are rarely seen during the day. Usually, the only way a person can know that a wombat was near is the appearance of large holes in the ground and by a trail of their distinctive, cube-shaped droppings.
Because they are marsupials, wombats carry their young in pouches for six-to-seven months. Despite their large size, wombats are common prey for dingos and Tasmanian devils. They are now an endangered species.
Patrick was adopted by the Ballarat Wildlife Park when he was orphaned as a baby. As he's grown in size, he's also grown in popularity. He has his own Facebook and Instagram accounts, and he's even met a few celebrities, such as Nicolas Cage!
Visitors to the park will see Patrick being carted around in a large wheelbarrow.
His large size has earned him the unfortunate nickname of "Fat Pat from Ballarat." Weighing 88 pounds, he's definitely the biggest wombat in recorded history.
The park attempted to release Patrick into the wild a few times, but he couldn't defend himself against the other wombats. Presumably, they were jealous of his natural star quality.
Though popular culture usually portrays wombats as lazy and fat, these animals have strong hind legs. When predators trap them in their burrows, the wombats have been able to kick their legs with such force as to cause immense damage to the predators.
If you think groundhogs or prairie dogs are nuisances, imagine having one of these digging holes in your backyard!
Please SHARE if you love interesting animals and check out the video of Patrick below!
