Adorable orphaned baby wombat finds new mum: Pictures

Updated
Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum
Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum




An orphaned wombat joey is receiving round-the-clock care at Taronga Zoo after its mother was struck by a car outside Sydney.

Taronga keeper, Evelyn Weston, has taken on the role of surrogate mum to the six-month-old joey, carrying a makeshift pouch and stopping work for bottle feeds every five hours.

Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum
Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum



The female joey was rescued by a wildlife carer in June after its mother was struck and killed on a road near Jenolan Caves. Luckily the joey, named 'Chloe' by the carer, was found still alive inside the pouch.

Chloe was brought to Taronga Wildlife Hospital last week for ongoing care and she's been busy melting hearts among the zoo's keepers, who have been only too happy to help Evelyn with her mothering duties.

Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum
Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum



She will remain in Evelyn's care for at least another two months, before moving to a temporary new home at Taronga's Australian Walkabout.

Keepers hope Chloe will be strong enough to return to the wild in about 18 months.

Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum
Orphaned baby wombat finds new mum



Evelyn said: "My biggest problem is getting her back. She's very affectionate and also a bit naughty. She loves chewing on shoes and if you walk away from her she chases after you like a rocket."

See more amazing wildlife pics below:



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