TARONGA’S JOEY’S CUTENESS IS TOO MUCH TO "BEAR"

Wanda and her joey

Taronga Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its first koala joey for this year’s breeding season. The female joey has been spotted tasting its first eucalyptus leaves and slowly exploring the world outside the pouch to the delight of keepers and visitors.

Part of Taronga’s koala breeding program, the yet-to-be-named joey is the third for experienced mother, Wanda, and the first born at the Zoo this breeding season.

At six months old, the joey will continue to gain weight and the fluffy fur for which koalas are known. She will spend at least another four months with her mother before venturing out on her own.

Tour groups have begun meeting Wanda and her joey at Taronga’s Koala Encounter, where they learn more about one of Australia’s most iconic species and how they are under threat from urban development and forestry breaking up their natural habitat.