Cuddling Wombats Changes Farmers' Minds About Them

A debate has erupted over whether tourists should be allowed to cuddle Australia's wildlife at sanctuaries and zoos. In New South Wales, it's legal for visitors to cuddle wombats in some venues, while cuddling koalas is prohibited. Some individuals view the activity as enjoyable, believing it enhances wildlife appreciation, whereas others argue that it misrepresents these animals as mere pets. John Stafford, owner of Taralga Wildlife Park, has noted a shift in local attitudes toward wombats after interactions at his park; some farmers have begun to see these marsupials as personable rather than pests. Meanwhile, the NSW Government is reviewing animal welfare laws to improve conditions regarding these encounters.