The Australian Reptile Park has welcomed the SECONDkoalajoey born this breeding season, and she just so happens to have a famous relative! Elsa the koala melted hearts all over the world last year when she was born and quickly received viral fame online. Today, her first little sister popped out of the pouch to say hello! Both born to Mum Irene, it was fitting Elsa’s little sister was to be named after the Disney Princess – Anna!
Staff at the Australian Reptile Park have happily welcomed the new arrival, incredibly excited for Elsa to have her very first baby sister. Anna will be spotted coming out of the pouch more as each day passes, and eventually will become a crucial part of the Koala conservation breeding program at the Central Coast based wildlife sanctuary.
Resident Koala Whisperer and Australian Reptile Park Curator, Hayley Shute said, “After I hand raised Elsa myself as her second Mum, we all kept our eyes very closely on Irene to make sure she was going to be okay looking after little Anna and not face any issues. Thankfully, Anna is thriving with her Mum and growing up so fast!”
When born, Little Elsa was not getting the milk she needed due to her mother experiencing mastitis, which is imperative to her growth and chance of survival, forcing keepers and Hayley to intervene. Thankfully, Hayley was able to tend to Elsa’s every need and helped her grow into the happy and healthy koala she is today. Thankfully, Irene has made a full recovery and has been successful in the birthing and raising of little Anna the koala joey.
“It was a very special moment being there when she popped her head out for the first time, I couldn’t contain my excitement and I made sure to run over and grab Elsa so she could meet her baby sister for the first time!” Hayley continued.
“Anna is estimated to be around 10 months old and is right on track as we can see her emerging from the pouch more and more. We will be keeping a close eye out on her to make sure she is growing up healthy alongside Ash the koala joey in the same koala yard and will keep bringing Elsa over for regular visits to bond with her sister!”
After two months of temporary closure due to coronavirus, the Australian Reptile Park was thrilled to welcome back guests when they reopened on Monday 1 June 2020. Guests will have the chance to try and spot Anna and her big sister Elsa, along with the 40+ other koalas that call the Australian Reptile Park home.
“We’re very excited to be open again and educating people on our amazing wildlife. We just know the animals, especially Elsa have missed seeing everyone’s smiling faces! Every precaution is in place to make sure our visitors, staff and animals are kept safe thanks to our COVID-Safe reopening plan. Make sure you come and see Anna and Elsa and have the Best Family FUN Day Out” Hayley concluded.
