Orphaned baby wombat Poppy finds a new home at a zoo as an Aussie zookeeper becomes her new mum

An orphaned baby wombat who was saved from her mother’s pouch after she was struck by a car has found a new home at a local zoo, with a kind-hearted Australian zookeeper becoming the marsupial’s new mum.

Poppy the wombat is a new arrival at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast and instantly won the hearts of staff and became a hit online after she was introduced to the nation on Tuesday night.

The little bundle of joy had been found in her mother’s pouch on the road after she was tragically hit and killed by a car.

Luckily, a passer-by noticed what had happened and checked the pouch to discover Poppy’s tiny, frightened face peering at them.

The orphaned baby wombat was rescued and brought to the Australian Reptile Park several weeks ago, where zookeeper Daniel Rumsey became her new carer and surrogate mum.

The lovable animal has been provided with continuous care by the zookeeper, including living at home with Mr Rumsey and keeping him awake at all hours of the night to receive a bottle feed.

The orphaned baby wombat was rescued and brought to the Central Coast zoo several weeks ago, where zookeeper Daniel Rumsey (pictured) became her new carer and surrogate mum

Mr Rumsey said: ‘It’s always hit and miss with little orphans like Poppy.’

‘It’s hard to know if they’ve been exposed to disease, are malnourished, or even injured in the accident.’

However, the zookeeper said the adorable baby wombat fought through like a ‘true champion’, and he is glad that Poppy is growing well.

While Poppy was fortunate to survive the heartbreaking incident, Mr Rumsey has urged motorists to be cautious as many take to the roads again after lockdown

‘Poppy is full of beans and has quickly won over everyone here at the Australian Reptile Park,’ Mr Rumsey said.

‘She’ll follow you everywhere you go, loves cuddles and loves her bottles even more!’ he added.

While Poppy was fortunate to survive the heartbreaking incident, Mr Rumsey has urged motorists to be cautious as many take to the roads again after lockdown.

‘Cars are one of the biggest threats to Aussie wildlife,’ he said.

‘With so many people now out on the roads after New South Wales is opening back after lockdown, we are calling for people to slow down.’

Poppy will continue to live at the Australian Reptile Park for about 12 months and zookeepers will then decide if the adorable animal is strong enough to be released to the wild 

‘So many animals are killed by vehicles each year and if we all took a little more care, we can decrease the number dramatically!’ Mr Rumsey added.

Poppy will continue to live at the Australian Reptile Park for about 12 months.

The zookeepers will then decide if the wombat is strong enough to be released to the wild.

As the park has now reopened to the public after Covid restrictions eased around the state, visitors now have the opportunity to meet the adorable animal through the park’s popular animal encounter program.

For those wanting to meet Poppy, bookings can be made at www.reptilepark.com.au