There’s a new furry recruit patrolling the halls in Queanbeyan Police Station after one of its officers took in an orphaned baby wombat.
Monaro Police District’s Senior Constable Tori Murray took in eight-month-old bare nosed wombat, Ted, after his mother was struck and killed by a car in late June 2020.
Since then, Ted, the lively wombat, has been a regular fixture at the Queanbeyan Police Station; often found taking a nap in his portable bed under S/Cst Murray’s desk or curiously following other officers around.
Ted will remain in S/Cst Murray’s care for at least another year until he is old enough to be returned to his natural habitat.
For the past five years, S/Cst Murray has volunteered with Wildcare to help rescue, care for and rehabilitate injured native animals across the Monaro region.
Monaro Police District’s Inspector Charles Hutchins said all the officers had really taken to Ted and enjoyed having him at the police station.
“The care that all of our officers are showing Ted is definitely the same care we provide to the community,” Insp Hutchins said.
“Here at Monaro Police District, we take our jobs very seriously and part of that is providing an excellent level of customer service.”
Insp Hutchins said that, unfortunately, crashes involving animals regularly occur on our roads and urged drivers to keep an eye out for them while travelling.
“With school holidays and everyone travelling along the highway, we encourage people be aware of your surroundings, which may include our native wildlife,” Insp Hutchins said.
“If you see an animal near the road, we encourage you to slow down if possible, exercise caution and drive to the conditions so that way we’ll show some kindness to the animals by the roads.”
