Queanbeyan's cutest four-legged recruit has been tickled pink by the support he's received from the community, and his carer wanted to put people's minds at ease that he is receiving top-notch care.
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 Ted the wombat made his international debut, the fan mail has been piling up for Queanbeyan Police Station's little superstar.
But fame hasn't gone to Ted's head – he's still very happy being cared for by S/Cst Murray and sleeping under her desk during the workday in secure bedding.
"To know that so many people around the world have heard about Ted and become interested in caring for our native wildlife is very touching," S/Cst Murray said.
"We've had correspondence from all around the country and even the world – we got an email from some fans in France.
"Ted has unofficially been gifted the title of Constable, but he won't be taking any reports from the public any time soon."
S/Cst Murray said, although many people thought Ted lived at the police station, he's only on duty when she is in the station.
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.
"I became involved in caring for injured animals after responding to a crash while on duty and saw an orphaned kangaroo joey," S/Cst Murray said.
"I think that's why most people become police officers – we care about the community and want to help. Whether it's people or our wildlife, we're always here to help."
Ted will soon be buddied up with another wombat to help socialise him and making steps towards being released safely back into the wild.
Until that time, Ted will spend his days napping, being fed speciality wombat food and being an all-around cute marsupial.
