An unexpected bond has blossomed between the Australian Reptile Park’s two newest joeys, Albert the koala joey and Wilbur the wombat joey.
Despite being different species, the adorable animals have become inseparable BFFs, sharing meals, naps and snuggles with their surrogate mothers, “koala whisperer” Hayley Shute and keeper Seleena de Gelder.
Under the attentive care of their surrogate mothers, Albert and Wilbur have established a synchronised feeding routine, sitting down together for their bottles like true fluffy besties.
Right after a feed, Wilbur often gets the “zoomies”, while Albert takes a more relaxed approach, munching on eucalyptus leaves as a tasty after-meal snack.
The duo even fall asleep together.
“I absolutely love these two cuddle buddies,” de Gelder said.
“When Hayley and I realised that we needed to feed both of our joeys at the same time, we started to meet up during their feeding time.
“As soon as they met, they were so inquisitive of each other and now they’ve become best friends.”
Both joeys had an uneasy start to life.
Albert, the tiniest koala joey ever hand-raised at the Park, came under the care of Life Sciences Manager Shute, just three months ago after her mother Elsa fell ill while carrying him.
Wilbur found himself in the care of de Gelder when a concerned passer-by discovered him in the pouch of his mother, who had been fatally struck by a car.
“Even though both adorable joeys had a rough start to life, I’m so glad that they’ve become close and love each other’s company,” shute said.
“It’s not every day that you see a koala and wombat become best friends.”
Wilbur will remain at the Park until he is ready to be independent and will eventually be released back into the wild.
Albert will transition to the Park’s “koala preschool” when he is strong enough.