The Australian Reptile Park is saying a heartfelt farewell to one of its most cherished residents – Bucky the wombat joey – as he embarks on an exciting new chapter at Cedar Creek Wombat Sanctuary. His journey from tragedy to triumph has captured the hearts of keepers and visitors alike, and now, the little wombat with the big personality is ready to take his next step toward life in the wild.
Bucky’s story began in the unlikeliest of places. As a tiny joey, he was found in his mother’s pouch on the side of the road after she was tragically hit by a car. For many wild animals, such a start would be the end of the road, but Bucky was lucky — a compassionate passerby stopped, checked the pouch, and discovered the fragile joey still alive, clinging to life. That moment of kindness gave him the second chance he desperately needed.
Brought to the Australian Reptile Park, Bucky was placed in the care of zookeeper Ellesha Veness, who became his dedicated foster mum. She was committed to giving him the best possible start, and from the moment she saw his adorable front teeth, she knew his name had to be Bucky.
“Raising Bucky has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life” Ellesha said. “Watching him go from a small wombat joey to a big boy has just been so special. The wild wombat are never gonna believe the life he’s had.”
For months, Ellesha poured her heart into raising Bucky — feeding him every few hours, keeping him warm, and helping him grow strong enough to eventually live on his own. Along the way, Bucky developed a cheeky, affectionate personality that quickly made him a favourite among keepers and a must-see for Park visitors.
At Cedar Creek Wombat Sanctuary, Bucky will experience what’s known as a soft release. Rather than being sent straight into the wild, he’ll have a safe, protected environment where he can gradually adapt to life on his own. This gentle transition gives rescued wombats the skills and confidence they need to survive independently, while ensuring they have food, shelter, and care during the adjustment period.
Bucky’s last day at the Park was a bittersweet one. To celebrate his journey and say goodbye, the keepers organised a farewell picnic — a tradition for animals who’ve become part of the Park family. They sat down for one last lunch with him, just as he had joined them many times before during their breaks.
One of the most touching moments came when Bucky said goodbye to his best friend, Honey the koala joey. The two had formed an unlikely but adorable bond during their time together, often seen cuddling or playing near one another. Their final interaction was a gentle reminder of the friendships and connections that make the animal world so extraordinary.
Though his departure leaves a wombat-sized hole in the hearts of those who raised him, the Park’s team is filled with pride and hope for his future. They know Bucky is heading exactly where he’s meant to be — living the wild life he was always destined for.
From a roadside rescue to a thriving young wombat ready to take on the world, Bucky’s story is a testament to compassion, expert care, and the tireless work of wildlife carers. While his time at the Australian Reptile Park has come to an end, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Watch the video below to hear more about Bucky's story!