'Heartbreaking to lose her': Australian zoo mourns as Winnie - the world's oldest wombat in captivity - dies aged 32
- Winnie, the oldest wombat in the world, has died but her legacy will live on
- She was rescued as a joey and cared for in the National Zoo and Aquarium
- Her keepers thought her healthy diet contributef to her impressive age
Zoo staff have been left heartbroken after the oldest wombat in the world died.
The beloved wombat named Winnie was a popular addition at the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra, where she had spent most of her life.
The zoo shared the tragic news on its Facebook page on Thursday.
'It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of our beloved wombat, Winnie,' the post read.
Winnie was orphaned as a joey and has been lovingly raised by her keepers for the last 31 years
Winnie was orphaned as a joey, but is now a happy little wombat who loves food and scratches
'Winnie’s health had been deteriorating over the past few weeks due to her progressing age. As always, the welfare of our animals is the highest priority and the difficult decision was made to ease her of any pain or discomfort.
'Winnie was our longest resident, arriving before the National Zoo & Aquarium was established over 27 years ago. She is believed to have been the oldest wombat in the world, at the grand age of 32.'
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Winnie was orphaned as a joey and lovingly hand raised at Birdland Animal Park at Bateman's Bay before moving to Canberra's National Zoo in 1992.
During her time at the zoo she became a bit of a celebrity in her own right, with more than 1288 followers on her Facebook page and people making special trips to see her.
Winnie was well known for her high-spirited personality.
'It's been a bit heartbreaking really to lose her,' keeper Danielle Johinke said.
Winnie likef to wrap herself in a warm blanket and have a nap in the middle of the afternoon
Winnie's favourite foods were healthy vegetables - grated carrot, sweet corn and sweet potato
Her favourite foods were grated carrot, sweet corn and sweet potato, and her keepers had speculated that her healthy diet and active lifestyle have contributed to her long years.
While wombats usually live to be about 20 in captivity and only 15 in the wild, Winnie was still cheeky, active and playful - and a bit of a favourite with the staff.
In the middle of the day, she would usually curl up in a blanket to get some sleep before heading back out to dig burrows and play soccer in the late afternoon.
'Winnie was adored by our staff and visitors and we treasure the memories of the time she had with us,' the post read.
The zoo has set up 'Winnie's Foundation' to assist in wombat conservation with a focus on sarcoptic mange in their regional wombat populations.
Winnie's keepers spelled out 'Happy B'Day Winnie' in carrots on her food tray on her birthday
Winnie's keepers speculated that her healthy diet and active lifestyle were the reason for her age
Most wombats are nocturnal, but Winnie liked to walk and play during daylight hours as well
