Have you ever seen a baby wombat? These mammals are native to Australia, and in the United States, they are only found in a very small number of zoos or wildlife facilities. Wombat babies go viral on social media for their cuteness, as seen in this post by @crazy_wombat_lady on Instagram. If you’re curious to learn more about wombats, keep reading below.
Baby wombat next to its mother at Maria Island, Tasmania.
©Tiffany-Jane Pe Than/iStock via Getty Images
About Wombats
Wombats are marsupial mammals native to Australia, and there are three different species. The three species are the common wombat, the southern hairy-nosed wombat, and the northern hairy-nosed wombat. One special trait of wombats is that they are burrowers. They spend much of their lives underground thanks to their bodies being built for digging. Their claws help them dig up the soil, and their compact bodies fit perfectly into the tunnels they create. They are herbivores that feed on roots, bark, shrubs, and mosses. Wombats have a slow metabolism, which means they do not need to eat as often as other mammals. After consuming their chosen plants, it can take about a week or two for wombats to fully digest their food.
Baby Wombats
Similar to other marsupial mammals, such as opossums, kangaroos, and koalas, baby wombats are called joeys. These baby joeys are born hairless and extremely tiny. At birth, joeys are about an inch long and weigh only a few grams. Once born, the joey will rest in the mother’s pouch as she goes about her day. This pouch stage is essential for the joey’s growth, keeping the baby safe and protected. After about four to five months in the pouch, the joey begins to grow fur and will remain in the pouch for a total of six to ten months. After leaving the pouch, the juvenile wombat stays with its mother to continue learning and feeding on what she provides. After about a year, the young wombat begins to wean and live independently.
As wombats grow, they can weigh up to around 80 pounds and reach a length of about three feet. Because of their size, people often compare them to medium-sized dogs. In the wild, they inhabit forests and woodlands that provide vegetation for them to eat. Wombats typically live up to 15 years in the wild, but in captivity, they can often live past 20 years and sometimes even reach 30 years or more. Although the post above does not state the age of the joey, it appears to be a few months old. With their cute sleeping faces and love for cuddling, baby wombats are considered some of the most adorable animals.
