The Unlikely Muse: A Wombat Named Mothball
Australian author Jackie French, residing in the Araluen Valley of New South Wales, has long been accustomed to the peculiar behaviours of wild animals. However, nothing prepared her for Mothball, a carrot-obsessed wombat with a penchant for destruction. This extraordinary encounter sparked the creation of a bestseller that has captivated readers worldwide.
A Life Among Wild Companions
For decades, French has immersed herself in the natural world, living with minimal human contact in a remote shed that later became a home. Her journey began with Smudge, a wombat who taught her the intricacies of wombat life, from smelling views to nocturnal explorations. French explains, "They were not pets. I never fed them or patted them. It’s a joy and a privilege to have wild animals decide you are their friend."
Over the years, she studied local species, from antechinus to wombats, at a time when little research existed. Her farm evolved into a conservation area, serving as a release site for hand-reared wildlife, where she learned the critical skills wombats need to survive in the wild.
The Arrival of a Furry Force of Nature
Mothball entered French's life nearly 30 years ago as a young wombat rescued from dog attacks. Initially, she seemed round, brown, and cuddly, munching carrots on French's lap. But during a car ride, Mothball's true nature emerged. After biting through her cage in a carrot-fueled rage, she leaped onto the steering wheel, forcing French to navigate traffic with an angry wombat in tow.
Once home, Mothball discovered grass and dirt, eventually venturing into the bush. Yet, she returned during a drought, unleashing chaos by ripping dresses, destroying household items, and demanding carrots at all hours. French recalls, "Our house looked like we were defending it from angry elves, with reinforcing mesh over the lower windows and metal nailed to the doors."
From Chaos to Creativity
The nightly destruction inspired French to document Mothball's antics. It took three years to craft a wombat-like tone for Diary of a Wombat, using key words to mirror the animal's single-minded focus. Despite initial skepticism, the book, illustrated by Bruce Whatley, became a global phenomenon, selling over a million copies in Australia alone and winning numerous awards.
French read the book to Mothball, who seemed to recognise the illustrations, showing a level of intelligence that deepened their bond. She reflects, "I loved her. How can you not love a furry dominatrix?" Their friendship endured until Mothball's tragic death, leaving a lasting legacy.
Lessons from a Wild Friend
Through Mothball, French gained profound insights into wombat behaviour, debunking myths like square droppings and highlighting their ability to visualise possibilities. She emphasises, "I’m a human who has been privileged to have wild animals accept her as a neighbour, and sometimes as a friend."
Today, French continues to write, but she is forever linked to Mothball's story. She advocates for wombat conservation, urging support for research into mange vaccines to protect this endearing species. As she concludes, "I still miss Mothball, every day." Her tale reminds us of the unexpected ways wildlife can inspire and transform our lives.
