Adorable Elle melts hearts in new home

Australia Zoo has welcomed its newest wombat joey, Elle, just in time for World Wombat Day.

CUTE: Elle the common wombat joey is entertaining guests at Australia Zoo. Picture: Ben Beaden

AUSTRALIA Zoo has welcomed its newest wombat joey, Elle, on World Wombat Day.

Elle, who is a common wombat, was born on December 23 last year and is now 10 months old and full of energy.

Australia Zoo's head of native animals, Claudia Zweck, said Elle had a great personality with a love for exploring.

"When Elle was born she was the size of a jelly bean, but now that she's 10 months old she loves practising to dig holes and checking out new places," Ms Zweck said.

Australia Zoo has welcomed its newest wombat joey on World Wombat Day.

There are three species of wombat in Australia; the common wombat, the southern hairy-nosed wombat and the northern hairy-nosed wombat.

The northern hairy-nosed wombat is the largest of the three species and is critically endangered.

"Elle has an important role here at Australia Zoo as she is an ambassador for her cousins in the wild and she helps to educate people on the importance of wombat conservation," Ms Zweck said.

"Steve (Irwin) always said that if we can teach people about wildlife, that's our first step towards saving it.

"At Australia Zoo we stand together to protect and preserve our environment and its wildlife."

Originally published as Adorable Elle melts hearts in new home