“Get to know South Australia’s most commonly-sighted wombat species – which can run almost as fast as Usain Bolt.” ∼ Good Living South Australian Government
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Common Wombat
Scientific name: Vombatus ursinus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
SEE HOW FAST A WOMBAT REALLY IS!
Wombats are truly a unique and cherished part of Australian wildlife. They are beloved for their endearing appearance, with their round bodies, short legs, and cuddly demeanor. At Symbio Wildlife Park, visitors can get up close and personal with these fascinating marsupials and observe their behavior in a naturalistic environment. They can watch as the wombats dig and burrow, a behavior that is essential for their survival in the wild.
Visitors can also learn about the wombat’s unique adaptations, such as their strong jaws and powerful teeth, which allow them to chew through tough vegetation and even bark. With the opportunity to observe and learn about these amazing creatures, a visit to Symbio Wildlife Park is a must for any animal lover or wildlife enthusiast.
ABOUT
Wombats are stout and sturdy marsupials that are native to Australia. These furry creatures are known for their strong and powerful legs, which they use to dig extensive burrow systems underground. Wombats are also famous for their ability to produce cube-shaped feces, which is a result of their slow digestive process and the unique shape of their intestines. Despite their stocky appearance, wombats can run up to 40 kilometres per hour and have been known to defend themselves aggressively against predators such as dingoes and foxes. Wombats are an important part of Australian ecosystems, playing a crucial role in soil turnover and plant growth.
DIET
Wombats are herbivorous marsupial’s native to Australia. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, roots, bark, and moss. They have strong teeth and powerful jaws that allow them to chew through tough vegetation, such as eucalyptus bark. Wombats are known for their slow metabolism, which allows them to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from their food. In fact, they are capable of surviving on very little water, obtaining most of their hydration from the plants they consume. Despite their primarily herbivorous diet, wombats have been known to occasionally supplement their diet with insects and other small invertebrates.
Common Wombat
Fun Facts
- Despite their stubby legs, wombats are excellent swimmers and have been known to cross rivers and even swim across ocean channels.
- Wombats have a backwards-facing pouch, which helps to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pouch when the wombat is burrowing.
- Wombats have strong jaws and teeth that are adapted for grinding tough vegetation, such as roots and bark.
- Wombats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night, when they emerge from their burrows to forage for food.
- Wombats have very thick skin and can withstand bites and scratches from other animals that might try to invade their burrows.
- Wombats have a unique gait that allows them to move efficiently both above ground and below, and they are capable of running at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour for short distances.
- Wombats are social animals and are known to form close bonds with their family members, often sharing the same burrow for many years.
FAST, SOLID, CUTE OUR WISDOM OF WOMBATS IS A MUST SEE
If you are looking for more unforgettable experiences, we have a range of other close encounters that you won’t want to miss. With so many amazing close encounters to choose from, there is something for everyone at Symbio Wildlife Park.
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