The Australian Reptile Park has welcomed four tiny new joey koalas into the world following a successful breeding season.
Although most are still too little to be seen outside of the pouch, one brave joey has poked its head out for the first time.
In recent weeks, the mammals team has spotted tiny hands, feet, and soft ears emerging from the pouch and it wasn’t long before the joey braved the cold to see the world for the very first time.
The season’s first emerged joey is still too small to safely sex, and so a name has not yet been decided.
With four joeys confirmed so far, there is exciting potential for even more arrivals.
Some females paired later in the season are showing signs of growing pouches, which could mean even more joeys for the Park’s breeding program in the coming months.
Mammals keeper Ellesha Veness shared her enthusiasm and said the Park was deeply committed to saving the iconic Australian species.
“Each successful breeding season is a huge win for us,” she said.
“These four joeys – and hopefully a few more on the way – show that our efforts are really making a difference; we couldn’t be happier.”
Veness also highlighted the urgent need for conservation.
“Koalas across Australia face severe threats, with habitat loss happening faster than ever,” she said.
“Sadly, experts predict koalas could be extinct in the wild by 2050 if we don’t act now.
“Every koala we help protect is a step towards securing their future.”
The Australian Reptile Park continues its vital role in breeding koalas to strengthen endangered populations and raise public awareness.
