Not having seen Porscha for a while, though I had left some phone messages but knew how busy she always is, it was great to catch up on Forrest Wombat. I knew he was safe, but not the details of his present whereabouts. Around Christmas, she said, he had become more and more of a wanderer, coming back to his burrowbox in Porscha's stables to sleep, but sometimes disappearing for days at a time to visit the neighbourhood. So he really released himself, feisty little boy that he is, and will hopefully grow to be a big old wombat a long way from any busy roads.

Porscha & a grown-up Zima

On the other hand, little Zima, whose mother, like Forrest's, was killed by a careless driver and who came into Porscha's care in August last year, has remained a homebody with no intention of ever leaving.

Zima climbs up to her favorite spot, Porscha's lap

She is simply beautiful, her silvery fur - which was such a feature of her babyhood - has retained its dense gloss, and her sweet nature has endeared her to everyone. Apart from Porscha's lap, which is her favourite place, she also spends a large amount of time on Porscha and Neil's bed, both when they are there and when they are not.

Should I jump, or should I wait for someone to lift me down?

Aside from that, she wanders around the house and garden with the resident dogs, and sees no reason why she should 'be a wombat' in any other context. She is truly the house wombat, and a pet in every sense of the word.

Sue & Zima

Sue & Zima share a secret

I feel very sad that Mama Wombat died, of what we will never know except that for once, it was not a speeding careless driver at fault. She simply looked as though she had had a heart attack, and died where she lay on the grass. But if she had to die anywhere, I am so glad it was within our sight and that her little baby girl will live.

Maureen Scott writes:

Do you suppose that Mama Wombat knew her number was up and made sure she was in your vicinity, Sue, so you could save her baby? Sounds a bit fantastic, I'll grant you, but stranger things have happened . . . . Perhaps the word is out in Wombat-land -- if you need a helping hand, go find Sue & Bill out at Wombat Bend!

I'm very glad you've managed to save yet another little life . . . . Maureen & The Circus
(who are now asking for a wombat of their own, wouldn't you know)