Health Check Time for Precious Koala Joeys at Reptile Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 28, 2020 10:55 pm

koala health check Australian Reptile Park

A koala joey during its health check at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

Staff at the Australian Reptile Park have completed the first health checks on this seasons koala joeys. The sanctuary experienced a bumper breeding season welcoming nine of these endangered marsupials as part of their conservation program.

The park’s three eldest koala joeys, Ash, Anna and Twiggy have moved in to the mums and bubs yard with their mums. Here they are beginning to explore on their own as they reach their curious stage. Their first routine health check ensures that they are healthy and happy as they begin to explore.

During the health check keepers weighed the joeys on a special branch, this is one of the best indicators of their overall health. Keepers also look over the joeys for cuts, sores or other issues. During their first adventures out of the pouch keepers keep a close eye on the koalas to ensure they are jumping between trees without injury.

A koala joey during its health check at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

As a reward for their perfect behavior during the health checks keepers rewarded the joeys with the freshest eucalyptus leaves.

Australian Reptile Park Director, Tim Faulkner, said, “It’s more important now than ever that our koalas are receiving the best care they can. Our koalas are a big part of our family here, and sadly after the devastating bushfires Australia faced, population numbers in the wild have drastically reduced.”

Tim Faulkner continued, “Koalas are one of Australia’s most iconic animals, and it’s up to us to ensure that they’re around for future generations to come. Thankfully, all of our nine joeys are growing up happy and healthy with their mums and will thrive under the care of our passionate koala keepers.”

A koala joey during its health check at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: The Australian Reptile Park

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Koala numbers have plummeted over the past 20 years and their continued decline has lead scientists to declare they may go extinct in New South Wales (the state where the Australian Reptile Park is located) by 2050.

They face threats such as habitat destruction, deforestation, fragmentation, car strikes and dog attacks. Major Bushfires last summer also led to further declines in their population.

Breeding programs such as those at the Australian Reptile Park are crucial to the survival of the species. Currently 40 koalas are part of the parks breeding program.