Wombats!
I’ve fallen in love with wombats! It wasn’t hard to do. They are cute, full of rolly-polly impishness and seem to get along with humans. At least some of the humans who play and even live with them (according to videos in my FaceBook newsfeed, anyway).
When I made this little wombat pendant, I smiled the whole time. I always feel like I’m on the right track when a design I’m creating especially amuses me.
Adorably wacky wombat facts:
- Their rear end is their primary defense – They dig burrows then seal them off with their butts, which are made of cartilage (and pretty resistant to attack)
- Their closest living relative is the Koala – This one doesn’t surprise me, ‘cause I find both of them similarly adorable
- They can run as fast as a human! Actually, up to 25 miles an hour, which is a lot faster than THIS human has ever run…
And this crazy one…
- They poop in cubes! Really! I looked it up on images in google, and this is actually true, even though to me it sounds like something out of a Donald Duck comic strip
Since they are marsupials, they give birth to a tiny, undeveloped little one. The little baby crawls into her (backwards) pouch where it eats and grows, protected. Why is the pouch facing backwards? Since wombats are diggers, this prevents dirt from entering the pouch.
Long, long ago (during the ice age) there were giant wombats the size of rhinoceroses. It’s thought that Aborigines hunted them.
The largest wombats today weigh from 44-77 pounds, and are about 3.3 feet long. Little muscular guys I don’t think I’d want to tussle with.
Are you a marsupial fan, too? Which one do you find the most fascinating?
I like to think I’m not alone!
I love my ladybugs old and new. I have 2 sets of posts .
I’m so glad, Susan!
Hello Merry,
Your wombat is absolutely adorable! They are amazing creatures and a joy to see in person. I visited Australia in 1998 and had a fantastic trip. I went to a small zoo/animal park on one excursion in Sydney and had the privilege of getting to pet a wombat. I instantly fell in love with them. Australia is filled with amazing wildlife.
My favorite marsupial is the koala. I fell in love with koalas in my teens and have been collecting them since. Hence the trip to Australia where I did get to hold 2 of them. The thrill of a lifetime for me. Unfortunately, I did not get to see one in the wild.
It broke my heart to see the devastation from the Australian fires and the effect they had on the koalas and other wildlife.
I met you & your husband years ago at the NAVC where I purchased my first Magic Zoo piece, a Koala. I am continually in awe of your artistry and amazing talent. It was a blessing to find you and now to follow you on your website. :o)
Hi Gail…SO nice to hear from you! I love it that we met, and that you met my late husband.
One of my goals is to go to Australia and see all the amazing wildlife. I agree, those wild fires there were heartbreaking, and I hope all of the animals and trees recover eventually. Thank you so much for all your kind words! – Merry
I love this piece. You have captured the wombat so completely!
I fell in love with wombats when my husband and I went to Sydney, Australia ten years ago. We visited a lovely zoo where I was introduced to this amazing creature. I remember petting the wombat, who enjoyed it immensely. After a while we reluctantly walked away and visited with the other Australian marsupials. I found myself thinking of Mr. Wombat and convinced my hubby to go visit him again. As we approached his enclosure, he ran over to us and seemed to almost jump up and down with excitement. If he had a tail, it would have been wagging. I felt such an instant bond with him and will never forget that experience.
Thank you for your creation, which allowed me to revisit that lovely memory!
I remember you telling me about your wombat encounter. I think they are completely adorable, too! What a treat to meet one in person. Love to you and the family! – Merry
I love your gold earned lop bunny
Why thank you, Mihaela! – Merry