Patrick the Wombat arouses social media.

Patrick the Wombat arouses social media.
By admin


Patrick the 29 year old, virgin wombat has helped Tourism Australia's Facebook page secure six million fans, making it the most followed tourism body on Facebook globally.

Tourism Australia's social media team posted a birthday greeting and photo of 'Patrick the Wombat' from Ballarat Wildlife Park on its popular Facebook page

Receiving 258k 'likes', 30k shares and 8k comments within 24 hours, Tourism Australia's head of social media, Jesse Desjardins, said the giant, 38kg wombat had helped provide the 'big push' they needed to hit six million fans.

"Australia's native animals are a massively popular feature of our Facebook page, so it's very fitting that one of our most popular has helped us achieve this latest social media milestone. Patrick may not have found his life partner just yet, but he has won the hearts of millions of our fans from around the world." Desjardnis said.

Ballarat Wildlife Park's social media manager Lauren Rix described Patrick as always being a very special wombat, but had no idea he would cause such an incredible social media response.  With his Facebook page growing by 4.5k new followers “his birthday this year will be extended into a week of celebrations here at Ballarat Wildlife Park." Rix said.

Patrick was hand raised by the owner of the Ballarat Wildlife Park after being and quickly became a front of house attraction that greeted all of the parks visitors. Despite, the team trying to release Patrick into the wild, his lack of defensive skills made him a permanent member of the Ballarat Wildlife Team. Patrick will now continue to enjoy his retirement and hopes to find love in his old age.

Tourism Australia receives over 1,000 photos per day from fans and tourism operators like Ballarat Wildlife Park. This collaboration has helped Tourism Australia maintain its leadership position as the most followed tourism body on FacebookInstagram and Google+.

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