Koala Joey Named During Intimate Party at Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 30, 2020 6:20 pm

Sapphire the koala joey clings on to mum

Photo Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Wild Life Sydney has named their latest koala joey during an intimate naming ceremony held this week. The 8 month old joey was born to mum Scarlet.

A small group of visitors were invited to be part of the exclusive event and were among the first to learn the name of the latest joey. The name of the female joey was unveiled on a blackboard decorated by native flowers.

Her name is Sapphire representing how precious this joey is both for the zoo and the wild koala population. The name was unanimously selected by the zoo’s koala keepers.

Sapphire the koala joey is held by keeper Renee Howell during the naming party

Photo Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Renee Howell, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo HeadKeeper said, “Sapphires are precious gemstones and we consider our koalas to be particularly precious, especially given the threat to their population,” she said.

“As the newest addition, she will make a fantastic ambassador for her species and help educate guests on how they can better protect Australia’s iconic koalas in the wild.”

Sapphire the koala joey clings on to mum

Photo Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

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Sapphire is one of the three koala joeys born at Wild Life Sydney Zoo this breeding season. She joins 11 month old Jasper and 12 month old Ilani.

She will spend the next few months cuddled up to mum before she starts to explore on her own.

Sapphire the koala joey is held by keeper Renee Howell

Photo Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Learn more about koalas here – Koala Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Wild Life Sydney Zoo on their website – Wild Life Sydney Zoo