8 year old William Rear and Waffles the Wallaby. Photo by Alex Coppel, Herald Sun

2011 Children's Week at Monash Children's will kick off with a special first time visit from baby animals from Healesville Sanctuary.

Monash Children's will play host to a range of special furry and prickly guests including baby wombats, wallabies, possums, echidnas and lorikeets. Stick insects, a python, Lace Monitor and Bearded Dragon will also be visiting the children.

8 year old William Rear and Waffles the Wallaby. Photo by Alex Coppel, Herald Sun
4 year old Jackson Barnwell with Ruby the Ring-tailed Possum-Phot by Alex Coppel, Herald Sun

Director of Monash Children's Professor Nick Freezer said the visit will be a welcomed break for children on the wards, some of whom have been inpatients for many weeks. "We are very pleased to establish this new relationship with Healesville Sanctuary and hope to put on a great day for the children during this very special week", Prof Freezer said.

11 Year old Elina and Belle - Phot by Alex Coppel, Herald Sun

Healesville Sanctuary's Director, Mr Glen Holland said there's been a baby boom at Healesville Sanctuary this spring with lots of animal newborns and toddlers on display. "As a zoo-based conservation organisation, Healesville Sanctuary plays a major role in building enduring relationships between people and wildlife, and encouraging visitors to do the same. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring the animals into visit the kids. At the same time, they can learn more about the critical role Healesville Sanctuary plays in fighting extinction to save many of Australia's most threatened species."