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Tasmania seeks 'Chief Wombat Cuddler' for orphaned baby Derek

By Ben Hooper
Derek the wombat is seeking a "Chief Wombat Cuddler" to visit him for three nights on Flinders Island. Screenshot: Visit Tasmania/YouTube
Derek the wombat is seeking a "Chief Wombat Cuddler" to visit him for three nights on Flinders Island. Screenshot: Visit Tasmania/YouTube

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FLINDERS ISLAND, Australia, March 28 (UPI) -- Tourism officials in Tasmania, Australia, are seeking someone to cuddle with an orphaned wombat that's gaining fame from viral videos showcasing his cuteness.

Tourism Tasmania announced on its website it is seeking applicants to win a three-night trip to Flinders Island to see the sights, enjoy the outdoors and spend some quality time cuddling with Derek, an orphaned wombat named for his rescuer.

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Derek is being raised by Kate Mooney, known as the "Wombat Lady of Flinders Island," after he was rescued by a man named Derek who discovered the creature's mother had been killed by a car.

The "Chief Wombat Cuddler," a position that's sadly only open to residents of Australia, must apply on Tourism Tasmania's website and author a 25-word essay explaining "why you're the best person to fill the role of Chief Wombat Cuddler."

Entries are being accepted through April 16.

"Non-cuddlers need not apply," the website says.

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