AssetID: 54697459
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Adorable Orphaned Wombat Celebrates First Birthday
Caption: An orphaned wombat has just celebrated his very first birthday. Bucky, who lives at the Australian Reptile Park, was rescued last year after his mother was tragically struck by a car. Found at the side of the road, he’s since been cared for lovingly by the park's team. To celebrate the special occasion, Bucky’s dedicated surrogate mum and mammals keeper, Ellesha Vaness, created a handmade birthday bouquet packed with his favourites – fresh grass, sweet potato, and carrot. True to his playful nature, Bucky devoured the treat with delight before dashing off to cheekily chase Ellesha around. “Watching Bucky thrive over the past year has been such a joy,” said Ellesha Vaness. “When I first met him, he was so tiny and vulnerable. Now he’s full of personality and cheekiness.” Beyond Bucky’s adorable milestone, his journey highlights a pressing issue: wombat conservation. Across Australia, wombats face growing threats from habitat loss, disease, and particularly road accidents, with vehicle collisions remaining a leading danger. “Bucky’s story is a reminder of how fragile our native wildlife populations can be,” said Vaness. “We urge everyone to slow down on the roads, especially in wildlife-prone areas. One moment of caution could save a life like Bucky’s.” Visitors to the Australian Reptile Park can meet Bucky in person through wombat encounters, learning more about wombat conservation efforts and witnessing firsthand the remarkable bond he shares with his devoted keepers.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story
PersonInImage: Bucky, Ellesha Vaness