In the 1980s they were on the brink of extinction in Queensland, with just 35 believed to be left. But the birth of three northern hairy-nosed wombats has marked a new era for this critically endangered species.

Three joeys have been born at a population rehabilitation site in Powrunna State Forest — the first wild-births since a group was relocated there last year.

• GUEST: Dr Alan Horsup, co-director of Wombat Foundation and retired zoologist who worked in the Queensland Government's Threatened Species Unit
• PRODUCER: Brooke Young