Elsa the Famous Koala Celebrates Her 2nd Birthday

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 23, 2021 8:30 pm

Elsa is held by one of her keepers during her birthday party

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Elsa the koala who went viral around the world when she was born in 2019 has celebrated her second birthday at the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales. Videos featuring Elsa have been viewed over 10 million times since she was born.

It is even more exciting to see Elsa reach her second birthday. She faced an uncertain start to life as her mother Irene was unable to produce milk. Luckily keeper Hayley Shute stepped in to become a surrogate mother for Elsa.

To celebrate her birthday keepers threw a ‘koala party’ where Elsa was given many cuddles. After the occasion she was seen napping after all the excitement!

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Elsa quickly became popular online with many videos of her going viral online. Elsa became a vital ambassador for her threatened species with estimates suggesting that koalas could be extinct by 2050.

Luckily now she is a healthy adult Elsa has become part of the breeding program for the species at the Australian Reptile Park and it is hoped she will welcome her first infant this year.

Keepers are hoping that this year’s breeding season will see a number of joeys born to Elsa and the 35 other koalas which live at the Australian Reptile Park.

Elsa the koala resting in a tree during her birthday party

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Keeper Hayley Shute, Elsa’s adoptive mum and resident koala whisperer, said “It melts my heart to see Elsa thriving, considering the first time we met she was at risk of not making it. I look at her happy and healthy on her second birthday surrounded by everyone, enjoying all the attention and I get a bit emotional she’s growing up!”

Ms. Shute continued, “Elsa has spread so much joy to everyone all over the world but most importantly has raised awareness for koalas as a species in peril that needs our help now more than ever. Koalas are estimated to be extinct by 2050 and we need all of the help we can get protecting these amazing animals. We know Elsa has made an impact on people and we love sharing her story with the world.”