Remembering Hamlet

On July 6th Hamlet, the world's oldest Wombat peacefully passed away at his home in the Toronto Zoo at the age of 34. Hamlet was a Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat and was one of only 7 wombats left in captivity within North America. Loved by all of the keepers at the Toronto Zoo who knew him, Hamlet will be greatly missed. He was a sweet and quiet boy who always appreciated his snack and nap breaks whenever he could take advantage of them. Hamlet was able to contribute to research on wombats in 2012 when his digestive system was studied by scientists. Hamlet's only job was to eat eat eat! He loved every moment of that.

The average lifespan of a wombat in the wild is a mere 15 years, Hamlet more than doubled this! The Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat used to be found all across Australia but is now only found in small populations in restricted regions. They tend to be found in open and dry grassland areas where they burrow during the day and come alive at night to forage on the grass, as these creatures are nocturnal. Wombats are marsupials and carry around their single joey within a pouch.

Zoos like the Toronto Zoo aim to educate and spark passion in their visitors for the hundreds of animal species they care for. The wombats were no exception; little Hamlet gave the opportunity for the zoo to educate the public on Wombats- from their biology to their protection. For more information on Wombats that the zoo provides visit http://www.torontozoo.com/explorethezoo/AnimalDetails.asp?pg=404.

Hamlet will be greatly missed. We must thank him for all of the great contributions he provided for the better understanding of wombats and the passion he sparked in those that knew or visited him.

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