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Headline: Rescued: 'Heavy' Hayes The Echidna

Caption: This chubby little native of Australia has won a whole new army of fans after being rescued in January by the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania. Hayes was brought into the rescue centre by a member of the public after being clipped by a car in the area of Hayes – hence the name! Primarily staff were concerned for any potential injuries, but what soon became apparent was the sheer size of her! Not to be rude, but Hayes is rather large for an echidna – Australia’s most widespread native mammal. “Hayes weighed 4.7kg, which is 1 to 1.5kgs heavier than the average adult female echidna,” explains Talia Sawers, a spokesperson for the sanctuary. “She is a big girl and her weight indicates that she is foraging well and thriving in her environment. “She was sedated and checked by our vet and was released by one of Bonorong's Wildlife Rescue Service volunteers, as she did not need further treatment or rehabilitation. Although staff were sad to see her go, Hayes was safely returned to the area that she had been found where she will hopefully continue to live her best life!

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