Meet real-life Wombles

The tiny pair of Potoroos at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis are under threat in their native Australia and Tasmania.

Assistant manager Jayne Gibbins said: “They look like a cross between a wallaby and a Womble. A less flattering name for them is kangaroo rats.

“Our breeding pair have an adult son but we think there’s a joey in the pouch as well.”

The Potoroos at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, near Miln-thorpe, are part of a crucial captive-bred population.

The charity, just off the A6, is home to many rare creatures in need of conservation.

Most spectacular are four snow leopards, including the twin cubs Loki and Luna. But the new marsupials, with their Womble-like faces, have made a big impression.

For details of opening times and ticket prices see wildlifeoasis.co.uk/