It's a boy! Meet Sydney Zoo's most adorable furry new addition - the tiny koala joey waiting for a name

  • The unnamed koala joey poked his head out of mum's pouch for first time
  • It was born eight months ago in January at WILD LIFE zoo in Sydney's CBD
  • Zoo keepers say the joey, whose parents are Erica and Jack, is doing well 
  • Visitors can see the new arrival at the Gum Tree Valley exhibit at the zoo 

By LOUISE CHEER FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

A Sydney zoo has welcomed a cute new addition to its rank with the arrival of the first koala joey of the breeding season.

The unnamed baby boy has been spotted poking his head out of his mother's pouch for the first time by keepers at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo after he was born eight months ago.

The bundle of joy came into the world on January 14 to parents Erica and Jack, but it is not until now that the joey has ventured out of his pouch and started nibbling on eucalyptus leaves.

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An unnamed koala joey has made its first public appearance at Darling Harbour's WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

An unnamed koala joey has made its first public appearance at Darling Harbour's WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

Emily De Palo, a keeper at the Darling Harbour zoo in Sydney's CBD, said it was an exciting time in the Gum Tree Valley exhibit.

'We're so thrilled to welcome this gorgeous little male koala joey to the family at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo,' she said.

'He is progressing very well, reaching all his milestones and has tripled in weight since being born.'

Ms De Palo said the zoo was constantly improving its breeding program and the new arrival was evidence of that.

It was born eight months ago back in January, and she is now just getting used to her surroundings inside mum Erica's pouch

It was born eight months ago back in January, and she is now just getting used to her surroundings inside mum Erica's pouch

Keeper Emily De Palo said the baby had tripled in weight since he was born and they were thrilled with his arrival

Keeper Emily De Palo said the baby had tripled in weight since he was born and they were thrilled with his arrival

'With every koala birth, we learn more about these precious creatures, which we hope will contribute to keeping them safe in the wild for generations to come,' she said.

The zoo's breeding program also serves to educate visitors and provides a potential genetic pool for the re-population of koalas in the wild.

'Koalas face a number of threats in the wild, including rapid loss of habitat as well as dog attacks and car strikes,' Ms De Palo said.

'Australia needs to do more to protect these iconic animals and education is just one of many steps that can be taken.' 

The joey remains unnamed and has started chowing down on eucalyptus leaves as part of its new diet

The joey remains unnamed and has started chowing down on eucalyptus leaves as part of its new diet

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the cute marsupial in the Sydney zoo's Gum Tree Valley exhibit

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the cute marsupial in the Sydney zoo's Gum Tree Valley exhibit

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo's newest koala joey will remain under close surveillance but visitors can catch a glimpse of the youngster cuddling up to his mum in the treetops at the Gum Tree Valley exhibit.

Animal lovers can also experience an up-close and personal koala encounter and meet the joey's furry friends - including last year's joeys Nutsy and Euccy - who now reside in the zoo's Koala Rooftop exhibit.

Sydney

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