Phillip Island Nature Parks is celebrating a special new arrival: an eight-month-old baby koala, now thriving at the Koala Conservation Reserve. During the reserve’s annual medical checks, the joey, yet to be officially named, was given a clean bill of health.
The young male is the first joey for his two-year-old mother, Trixie, who has embraced motherhood despite early challenges, including a brief mix-up where the joey swapped mothers. Now out of the pouch, the joey is learning essential skills like gripping and feeding on eucalyptus leaves while exploring his surroundings.
The rangers are taking name suggestions from the public via the Penguin Foundation facebook page.
Health checks for the reserve’s 17 koalas included weighing, measuring, and swabbing for chlamydia—a disease that threatens koala populations. Results will determine their readiness to return to their tree-top habitats, where visitors can view them from boardwalks.
Koalas, introduced to Phillip Island in the late 1800s, face population declines due to habitat loss. The reserve provides a sanctuary for koalas in need and supports critical research and welfare initiatives through eco-tourism.
With peak visitation season approaching, the reserve invites guests to see its residents up close, including its newest star, while supporting conservation efforts that ensure a future for this beloved species.
The reserve is open to the public to view the koalas, and money raised from the eco-tourism goes towards koala research and welfare. To adopt a koala or donate to help protect koalas, visit www.penguinfoundation.org.au
