International Wombat Day 2024: Date, Theme, Facts, Significance and History

Every year International Wombat Day is observed in Australia on October 22^nd. First started in 2005, the day has been observed annually since then. The eighteenth International Wombat Day falls on Sunday, October 22, 2024.

It is also known as Wombat Day, hug a Wombie Day, Wombats of the World Unite Day and World Wombat Day. Generally, this day is celebrated by baking a Wombat Cake, Wombat Brownies or Wombat Fudge. The main purpose behind observing International Wombat Day 2024 is to celebrate the existence of these amazing animals and to prevent them from going extinct.

International Wombat Day Date

International Wombat Day Overview

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What are Wombats & facts related to them

Wombats are animals native to Australia that resembles little bears and have many similarities to the koalas. These animals belong to the Vombatidae family and includes three species and all are protected under Australian law. These are northern hairy-nosed wombat, southern hairy-nosed wombat and the common wombat.

Wombats are the largest mammals, that love to dig burrows and eat mostly grasses, herbs, seeds, roots and bark. They spend most of their times underground in their extensive burrows and go out in the night.

1. Like kangaroos, wombats carry their babies around in external pouches.
2. A group of wombats is called a ‘wisdom of wombats’ a ‘mob of wombats’ or a ‘colony of wombats’.
3. Koala is the closest known ancestor of the wombats.
4. Wombats are great at swimming but not so good at climbing.
5. Just like a baby kangaroo a baby wombat is called a joey.
6. The oldest wombat in the world and also the biggest is 31 years old and weighs 40 kgs.
7. Wombats have terrible eyesight and they depend mostly on their smelling instincts.
8. The northern hairy-nosed wombat is critically endangered with total population of 163.
9. Wombats have very slow metabolism, that is why it takes about 14 days to complete digestion.
10. Due to slow metabolism, wombats can survive in arid conditions.

International Wombat Day Theme and Significance

Wombats are short-legged and muscular animals that have three species, all native to Australia. These animals are a very rare sight with one of the species standing on the verge of extinction.

To draw worldwide attention of the people towards these magnificent creatures, to celebrate their existence and work together to find ways to protect this animal, International Wombat Day is observed.

History of International Wombat Day Observation

The Grand Wombat Council decided to devote a day to these amazing mammals as they are often overlooked by the people. In 2005, at a meeting of the member organizations it was decided that every year October 22 will be observed as International Wombat Day. 22^nd October was chosen as the day of celebration as the ancient Wombat Spring planting celebrations were traditionally held around this time of year.

The first official International Wombat Day was thus observed on October 22, 2005. The Wombat Day is also known as “Hug a Wombie Day” and “Wombats of the World Unite Day.”

International Wombat Day 2023 Celebration

There are different ways to celebrate Wombat Day when in Australia. You can learn something new about these animals or go to the zoo to watch wombats from your own eyes. Many people wear a T-shirt or a sweatshirt with the image of the animal to promote the celebration of the day. There is also a tradition to celebrate this day with wombat-shape cakes and cookies and lots of chocolate and wine gums.

In many houses, a chocolate cake or fudge in the shape of a wombat is baked which makes the centerpiece of an evening party themed around wombats. People sing wombat songs and tell wombat stories and folk tales to each other. Special dance and making wish are also some popular tradition of  International Wombat Day celebration.

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