The Story of Nugget

Our Wombat Joey Rescue on Long Gully Road

There’s a special kind of heartbreak that comes with seeing a native animal harmed on the roads. Living in the Yarra Valley, we’re surrounded by incredible wildlife, and we cherish the chance to share our home with these amazing creatures. But recently, in the early morning on Long Gully Road, we were reminded just how fragile that balance can be.

While heading out, we came across a devastating sight – a large wombat had been hit and left in the middle of the road. Sadly, this is a common occurrence on rural roads. However, as we moved the wombat off to the side to prevent further accidents, we noticed something that changed the course of the morning: a joey, alive and still tucked safely in her pouch.

A Race Against Time

The tiny joey had been clinging to life for hours, enduring the cold morning inside its deceased mother. Acting quickly, we checked to see if the joey was still connected to the teat. Thankfully, a qualified zoologist staying with us was able to guide the delicate process of safely removing the joey from the pouch.

Our gorgous visiting zoologist named him Nugget for his tiny but fighting spirit. Wrapping Nugget in our jackets to warm him with our body heat, we headed straight to Healesville Sanctuary. It was a tense drive, but the team at the sanctuary quickly assessed Nugget and confirmed there were no major injuries. Despite his ordeal, Nugget was a fighter. After being warmed and checked, he was placed with a qualified carer who will nurture him until he’s ready to return to the wild. When Nugget is about a year old, he will be re-released near the Long Gully area – far away from the road.

A Lesson in Preparedness

This experience left us profoundly moved and, frankly, a little shaken. While we’ve always been passionate about wildlife conservation, this rescue highlighted how unprepared we were for an emergency like this. That’s why we’ve decided to keep a wildlife emergency kit in our cars moving forward. It’s a small but significant step that could make all the difference in situations like this.

Sharing Our Story

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is a haven for local wildlife, and we take that responsibility seriously. Seeing such a magnificent creature lost to the road was devastating, but knowing we could save her joey brings us hope. We’ll be following the little nugget’s progress closely and look forward to the day he can return to his natural habitat.

What You Can Do

If you ever come across wildlife on the road, please stop – if it’s safe – and check the animal’s pouch. Many marsupial joeys, like kangaroos and wombats, can survive for hours after their mother has passed. If you’re unsure what to do, contact a local wildlife rescue or vet. And consider keeping a wildlife emergency kit in your vehicle; it could make all the difference.

A Call for Compassion

Living in harmony with nature is a privilege and a responsibility. As humans, it’s up to us to minimise harm and offer care where we can. We’re grateful for the quick response from Healesville Sanctuary and the dedicated carers who ensure joeys like this one get a second chance.

We hope this story inspires you to take action and be prepared for the unexpected. Together, we can make our roads a little safer for our beloved wildlife.