“Had the kids not walked to that mailbox … she wouldn’t have survived.”
On typical school day mornings, siblings Amahlia, Darcy, Oakley, and Wyatt check their mailbox from the car as their parents drive them to school. But recently, the kids made a small change — they decided to walk to the mailbox instead. That simple decision made a world of difference.
Eager to check the mail in anticipation of a package, the children headed to the mailbox at the entrance of their property in New South Wales, Australia. But instead of finding a parcel, they discovered something far more urgent — a frightened wombat trapped beneath a heavy cattle grate.
Soaked, shivering, and clearly distressed, the wombat needed help. The kids knew just who to call. With help from neighbors James and Jilly, they contacted local wombat advocate and Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary cofounder, John Creighton — a familiar face who had visited their school.
Creighton was deeply moved by the children’s actions.
“Had the kids not walked to that mailbox that morning, the wombat would not have been seen,” Creighton told The Dodo. “Cars would’ve passed right over her. She would’ve spent the day trapped in wind and rain, with no shelter. She wouldn’t have survived.”
Creighton wasn’t alone in the rescue. Sanctuary friend Peter Lewis and members of the Berrima Rural Fire Service joined in. Together, the team carefully lifted the grate just enough for Creighton to slip under and rescue the wombat.
“All of us were so delighted,” Creighton said. “There were cheers from the team, and we shared that incredible feeling of knowing we had worked together to save a beautiful life.”
After a thorough checkup, the wombat was found to be healthy and ready for release.
“I released her on site, and she happily ran off to a nearby burrow on the property,” Creighton shared.
The rescuers named the wombat Evelyn. Grateful for the happy outcome, Creighton hopes the story inspires others to look out for wildlife in need — and to call for expert help when necessary.
He’s especially proud of Amahlia, Darcy, Oakley, and Wyatt.
“The kids are responsible for all this,” he said. “They saved that dear little wombat’s life.”