UK's Only Koala Joey is Named at Edinburgh Zoo

UK’s Only Koala Joey is Named at Edinburgh Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: March 15, 2021 8:45 pm

Meet Dameeli! Edinburgh Zoo have announced a name for their koala joey born last year.

Photo Credit: RZSS

Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland have announced the name of their koala joey born in June 2020. One of the wildlife conservation charity’s patrons chose the name Dameeli for the joey from a list of suggestions provided by keepers.

The name Dameeli is a tribute to the native home of the koala, Australia and means ‘affection.’

At birth the joey was the size of a jellybean and moved straight to his mother’s pouch where he spent six months before growing big enough to move to mom’s back.

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Lorna Hughes, animal team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said, “Dameeli is doing well and grows bigger and more confident every day. At eight months old, he has ventured out of mum Kalari’s pouch and will soon start exploring on his own.

“We wanted to give him a name which would pay tribute to the koala’s native home, and sent a list of suggestions to one of our amazing patrons who whittled it down to Dameeli.

“It has been a hard few months for us as a charity, but the ongoing support from the public, members and patrons has been outstanding.

“We are happy to have begun welcoming visitors back and cannot wait until it is safe enough to open our indoor areas so guests can see our adorable new joey. In the meantime, the public can keep an eye on Dameeli’s dad, Tanami, on our website’s live koala cam.”