We’re nuts for this new little cutie from Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This gorgeous little koala joey was recently named nutsy in a public naming contest.
She has become good friends with the other joey born at the zoo this year who is known as Euccy. They are regularly seen on the koala rooftop together cuddling or getting up to mischief.
Of course mischief has to be fitted around sleep which koalas can do for up to 20 hours a day.
Mum is also still keeping a close eye on this youngster. Jarryd Carver, a mammal keeper at Widlife Sydney Zoo said that, “Nutsy is gradually becoming more independent and adventurous, however she still doesn’t mind a close snuggle up to Mum for protection.”
It would appear Nutsy is quite the foodie with keepers noticing some firm favourites among the varities of leaf she is offered. She prefers, “Swamp Mahogany and Tallowood leaves over other eucalyptus types,” explained Carver.
She is growing well as Carver said, “She’s feeding really well, in fact, she’s almost doubled her weight over the past two months! Nutsy’s currently weighing in at 1.9 kilograms, which is optimum weight for her age. She has almost completely weaned from Mum and will have milk about once per day now.”
Turns out visitors love them too, “Our koala joeys Nutsy and Euccy are already firm favourites with visitors and provide us with the perfect opportunity to educate guests on the current threats faced by koalas in the wild, including rapid loss of habitat as well as dog attacks and car strikes.”
Carver added that, “Australia needs to do more to protect these iconic animals and education is just one of many steps that can be taken.”
Nutsy was named after the sister of beloved children’s character Blinky Bill and was a clear favorite with Shiloh coming second.
Photo Credits: Wild life Sydney Zoo
