Warren meets Warren
TOURISM
When Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch was invited to help with the naming of two juvenile Radiated Tortoises at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, he was left shell shocked when introduced to the park’s latest addition, a male Common Wombat joey who shares the same name.
Completely surprised and overjoyed by the wombat naming Warren Entsch said it doesn’t get any better than to have a wombat named after you.
“Not only do we share the same name but genetically you can see some similarities if you have a look at his tummy and mine you can see we are very very close,” joked Mr Entsch.
The tortoise shell-ebration was all a ruse by the Hartley’s team who had agreed on the name ‘Warren’ or Wazza the Wombat in recognition and appreciation for Warren Entsch’s contribution to supporting the Australian Zoo industry at the beginning of the COVID crisis.
A passionate conservationist Mr Entsch praised the value of places like Hartley’s on the important role they play in protecting and educating the public on vulnerable species.
“It’s important for animals like Wazza here to share their story. He has no idea how important his role is going to be moving forward in protecting Wombats, they are a beautiful and unique animal, but like most Australian species they are under threat,” he said.
Born in late July 2000, baby Warren is son to mother Nulla and dad Tonka, Nulla was, unfortunately, unable to look after Wazza and he had to be hand-raised by the Hartley’s keepers.
He receives round-the-clock care, with lots of cuddles and attention to keep him happy and healthy. He will continue to have some bottles until he is around 20 months old, by then he will be eating mainly solid food and by two years of age, he would naturally be fully weaned.
Warren Entsch also commented on the number of visitors in the park outside of school holidays.
“To drive in and see the carpark is pretty much full is fantastic, we need a lot more days like this, these businesses have effectively lost a year of trading, so let’s hope it keeps happening.
“I think a lot of people after the lockdown would be craving a little animal contact and these are the sort of places where you can go to have that kind of interaction, if you live in a city and you don’t have that opportunity to share that experience, they can come here and see Wazza,” said Mr Entsch.