The only koala joey in the Uk is named at Edinburgh Zoo
The UK’s only koala joey born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo has been named Dameeli in tribute to the species’ native home of Australia.
Article Source: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Last Updated: 11 March 2021 13:08
The UK’s only koala joey born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo has been named Dameeli in tribute to the species’ native home of Australia.
One of the wildlife conservation charity’s patrons chose the name, which means ‘affection’, for the youngster who was born in June 2020.
Newborn koalas are the size of a jellybean and move straight into the mother's pouch where they stay for six months before growing big enough to move onto their mum’s back.
Lorna Hughes, animal team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Dameeli is doing well and grows bigger and more confident every day. At eight months old, he has ventured out of mum Kalari’s pouch and will soon start exploring on his own.
“We wanted to give him a name which would pay tribute to the koala's native home, and sent a list of suggestions to one of our amazing patrons who whittled it down to Dameeli.
“It has been a hard few months for us as a charity, but the ongoing support from the public, members and patrons has been outstanding.
“We are happy to have begun welcoming visitors back and cannot wait until it is safe enough to open our indoor areas so guests can see our adorable new joey. In the meantime, the public can keep an eye on Dameeli’s dad, Tanami, on our website’s live koala cam.”
Edinburgh Zoo recently reopened to City of Edinburgh residents, with a host of added safety measures. Visitors must pre-book zoo tickets before their visit tickets.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Image credit: RZSS
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