Sassy the Wombat

Animal Name: Sassafras or “Sassy” for short

Animal Species: Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

Name of Zoo/Wildlife Attraction: ZooDoo Zoo, Richmond, Tasmania

About: Sassy was born at Zoodoo Zoo in 2014 and has been hand-raised by one of Zoodoo’s head keepers. As a result, Sassy is incredibly friendly, playful and loves attention. She can be seen on display at Zoodoo Zoo with her boyfriend, Blue. Once old enough, Zoodoo hopes Sassy and Blue will one day have baby wombats of their own.

Sassy's home is ZooDoo Wildlife Park, located in Tasmania in the suburb of Richmond around half an hour's drive to the north of capital city Hobart. Boasting a large range of native, agricultural and exotic animals - from the likes of simple rabbits and guinea pigs all the way up to rare African white lions - to more traditional Aussie offerings such as kangaroos, farm animals, and of course, wombats like Sassy. Zoodoo thus offers a uniquely hands on experience with both native and exotic animals that makes for an engaging day out for families, adults and kids alike.

Wombats are found in more southern areas of Australia including, eastern NSW, eastern and south western Victoria, south eastern South Australia and Tasmania. They tend to stick to cooler and water-rich parts of Australia in a range of different habitats from rainforest, eucalyptus forestry, thick woodlands and even coastal areas.

COMMON WOMBAT

Distribution Map

As you may guess from its name, the Common Wombat to which Sassy belongs is the most populous of the 3 wombat species, and these wombats can grow to anywhere between 80 and 130 centimetres and reach weights of up to 40kg on the high end! Wombats are strictly herbivores and thus mostly eat grass and other plants which they mainly seek out at night.

Wombats have coarse coats that range in colour between a shiny black through to silver, chocolate brown and even cream in some cases - in fact, in southern Victoria there are even a small colony of ash-white wombats! Wombats eat mainly native grasses and roots, for which their digging skills come in very handy for unearthing.

Do YOU think Sassy is worthy of the title of Australia's Cutest Animal? Cast your vote below for your favourite animal from the nominated entries for the chance to WIN an opportunity to see them in person with Experience Oz!

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