Some guests to Brookfield Zoo may not know what a southern hairy-nosed wombat is since there are only 10 in four North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). But if they visit Brookfield Zoo's Australia House, they will get to see several of these marsupials, including a female joey that was born February 18, 2012.
The not-yet-named joey is the fourth offspring of 12-year-old Kambora, who was born at San Diego Zoo, and the second for Wilbur, 20, who was wild-born in Australia. Although the joey was born more than eight months ago, it wasn't until mid-September that zookeepers were able to get a good look at the youngster because, like all marsupials, wombat joeys develop in a pouch. Immediately after birth, the tiny joey - which was about the size of a bumblebee—crawled into Kambora's pouch, where she has been sleeping and nursing to get all the necessary nutrients she needs to fully develop. Now predominantly out of her mom's pouch, the inquisitive joey has been exploring her new surroundings.
