Unlikely Animal Friends: Koala and Roo Are Best Mates

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 19, 2021 11:30 pm

unlikely best friends Australian Reptile Park

Ash the koala and Frankie the kangaroo are best friends at the Australian Reptile Park

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Have you ever seen a more Australian duo? Ash the koala joey and Frankie the Kangaroo Island kangaroo have become best friends at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Ash was the first koala joey to be born at the sanctuary during the 2020 breeding season. She brought hope after the devastating fires that swept Australia in late 2019 and early 2020.

A close up of Ash the koala joey

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Frankie the kangaroo joey has been capturing hearts recently as she recovers from injuries to her feet caused by excessive sucking. This led keepers to create special socks for her.

As part of her rehabilitation Frankie has been spending days in the koala yard where keepers can keep watch over her while they are caring for the koalas. It was decided that a yard known as the ‘preschool yard’ which houses koala joeys under a year old would be the best fit.

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One afternoon though keeper, Hewin Hockins captured the heart warming moment as Ash the koala joey climbed down from her perch and went to introduce herself to Frankie. Frankie was happy to keep munching her lunch while Ash slowly approached and then spent a long time sitting with her.

Now when Frankie arrives for her daily visit Ash is quick to make her way from the trees to check in with her best friend. Keepers say they have never seen anything like it before describing it as ‘the cutest thing in the world!’

A close up of Frankie the kangaroo joey

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Hewin Hochkins said of seeing the unlikely friendship, “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing the first time, but now it’s just part of the daily ritual to watch Ash and Frankie spend quality time together. It’s not every day you get to see a kangaroo and koala become best friends – but apparently you can here!”

Hewin continued, “Ash and Frankie are growing into such beautiful girls with amazing personalities and both love meeting people. Frankie’s feet are improving each day and thanks to Ash, she is seen hopping more around the enclosure to get her exercise! As cute as it is, it’s also amazing to watch visitors and online fans fall in love with our two girls, they’re fantastic ambassadors for their species and help us educate people about the important need for wildlife conservation.”