The cheeky wombat who lives at The Australian Reptile Park, was pulled from his mother’s pouch after she was hit and killed by a car in the Hunter Valley.

After his rescue little George formed a close bond with park general manager Tim Faulkner who became his new 'fill-in' family.

Their bond was captured on camera and quickly made the pair online sensations, the footage hitting an estimated 60 million views worldwide.

“George has always been so adorable in the eyes of staff, so it is so fantastic that the rest of the world also recognises him as Australia’s most adorable animal,” Mr Faulkner said.

The competition was run as an online poll by Experience Oz – an Australian-owned online tourism business. George beat out the 39 other animals vying for the title with an impressive margin of 35 per cent of the votes.

“I’m so proud of the ambassador of Australian species that  George has become and has stolen everyone’s heart, again,” Mr Faulkner said. 

“Australian wildlife needs this kind of exposure to help people fall in love with our wildlife so they feel the need to help protect it.”

After his sad start in the world George is now a happy little wombat with plenty of energy and a zest for life. 

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The Herald, Newcastle