Spring has sprung, and Taronga Zoo Sydney is bursting with cuteness thanks to the arrival of not one, not two, but three baby Koalas! Born as part of the zoo’s Koala breeding program, these joeys are already melting hearts with their tiny, fluffy charm.
The proud mums—Luna, Willow, and Stormi—are doing a stellar job taking care of the new arrivals, who are between six and seven months old. Each joey is developing its personality, but it’s Luna’s little one who’s stealing the show. This adventurous young male is confidently exploring the world under the watchful eye of his first-time mum, Luna. She’s smashing her new role, making sure her curious little explorer is well-fed and cared for, even producing pap (yes, the very un-glamorous but essential poo stage) to help him transition to his eucalyptus-heavy diet. Parenting level? Expert.
What’s in a Name?
With all this excitement comes a once-in-a-lifetime chance to name Luna’s joey. Taronga Zoo, together with Visa, is inviting the public to vote on three gorgeous name options inspired by Sydney First Language. This honours Taronga’s deep connection to Country and the Koalas’ home at the incredible Nura Diya Australia experience, which opened earlier this year.
Here are the contenders (and yes, they’re as dreamy as they sound):
- Wadi (meaning branch)
- Yanada (meaning moon)
- Bana (meaning rain)
Think you’ve got the perfect pick? Voting kicks off this Friday, 29 November, through Taronga Zoo and Visa’s social media channels. Besides bragging rights, participants enter for a chance to win a Wildlife Retreat stay for two—you know, in case adorable baby Koalas weren’t incentive enough.
Sitting Down for a Serious Chat About Conservation
Sure, these joeys are cute enough to plaster across postcards, but their arrival is a poignant reminder of the ongoing threats faced by Koalas in the wild. Already classified as endangered in New South Wales, Koalas are battling habitat destruction, climate change, disease, and the aftermath of the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019–2020.
Millions of animals lost their lives during the fires, and Koala populations took a tragic hit. While their bushland homes are slowly recovering, restoring their numbers is a long road. Australian Fauna Keeper Tyler Philpott urges all of us to do our part, especially during the summer holidays. “When travelling along the east coast, be mindful of wildlife. Slow down in Koala habitats, particularly at dawn and dusk when they’re most active,” Tyler advises. Taking a moment to check your speed could be the difference between life and death for these precious creatures.
Get Up Close and Personal
Want to see the newest members of Taronga’s furry family? You’re in luck. Visitors can book a Koala Encounter, running daily from 11am to 1pm at the Nura Diya Australia habitat, to try and spot Luna, Willow, and Stormi with their adorable babes in tow. Tickets can be locked in through the Taronga Zoo app, and trust us, it’s worth the effort.
And it’s not just the Koalas bringing the baby boom vibes this season. Taronga Zoo has pulled out all the stops, also welcoming two echidna puggles (yes, that’s what baby echidnas are called and it’s as adorable as it sounds), two bouncing Red Kangaroo joeys, and April, a cheeky goat kid, now causing mischief at the Backyard to Bush precinct. Basically, if you’ve got a soft spot for baby animals—and really, who doesn’t—it’s time to plan your visit.
Plan Your Visit and Stay in the Loop
Keep an eye on Taronga Zoo and Visa’s Instagram accounts for all updates, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and—don’t forget—your opportunity to help name Luna’s feisty little explorer. Between their conservation efforts and the joy of seeing baby wildlife in action, a trip to Taronga isn’t just a day out—it’s a chance to connect with Australia’s incredible fauna.
These little joeys may be tiny, but they’re making a big impact—both at the zoo and in raising awareness for the species. Now, go forth and vote (and maybe book those Koala Encounter tickets before they’re snapped up).
Plan your visit to Taronga at the zoo’s website!