World Wombat Day fell on Thursday 22nd October 2020; a special day set asideto appreciate and commemorate this iconic Aussie legend we call the wombat.
It’s arguably the most important day of the year for Wombat AwarenessOrganisation (WAO). A non-profit charity specialising in the rescue,rehabilitation and advocacy of the wombat. WAO focuses on conserving andprotecting wild wombats whilst supporting a 24 hour rescue and rehabilitationcentre within the largest and only free range, cage free wombat sanctuary inthe world.
WAO volunteers care for up to 90 wombats at any one time at the sanctuary.
One week ago today, Harold, a bare-nosed wombat was found by the side of aroad by a volunteer with 26 bullet holes scattered throughout his little body.Wombat Awareness Organisation immediately rushed Harold to the vet whoprovided him with life saving treatment. Over the course of the daysfollowing, Harold’s condition improved, leaving his carers hopeful of amiracle.
On 17th October 2020, Harold took a turn for the worst, requiring specialistemergency surgery to repair damage from a bullet wound in his bowel. Hesomehow miraculously survived the surgery.
On the morning of 18th October 2020, Harold’s little body gave up and hepassed away, while being cared for by WAO volunteers.
The news of his passing shocked the massive crowd of social media fans fromaround the globe who were following Harold’s plight and waiting on baitedbreath for the next instalment of his unfortunate sad story.
Claire, a Facebook fan said “RIP Harold, I’m glad you got to feel the loveand warmth of humans before you passed”.
The sadness then turned to outrage at how such an horrific act of animalcruelty was even possible in our community.
Jorg, a danish Facebook fan wrote: “My heart is broken and I can’t hold backthe tears. There is this question in my mind: Why? Harold didn’t deserve this.No innocent creature does…”.
This World Wombat Day, Wombat Awareness Organisation is launching its first 24hour giving day to raise funds for food, emergency equipment and to continueto care for the wombats as the hot summer approaches. The organisation ishoping to raise $100,000 through an online fundraising campaign.
Quotes attributable to Brigitte Stevens, Founding Director of Wombat AwarenessOrganisation:
“Harold came here for a reason. We all hoped he was going to survive, insteadhe passed leaving a massive legacy of raising awareness of what wombats facein the wild”.
___“Our organisation’s fundraiser this World Wombat Day will allow us tocontinue helping the most incredible animals in the world – the wombat!”._
To find out more and to contribute to the fundraiser, please visitwww.wombatday.com.au.
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