The Australian Reptile Park’s Keeper Seleena de Gelder has opened her home to two adorable koala joeys. After being rejected by their koala mothers, Edgar and Honey, aged 9 and 7 months respectively, have found a new family in Seleena’s care, where they receive round-the-clock attention and affection.
For the first time in her career, Seleena is balancing the demands of caring for two young koalas simultaneously. “Having Edgar and Honey at home has been both challenging and rewarding,” says Seleena. “Their care requires constant attention, with feedings every few hours and careful monitoring of their health and development. It’s all worth it when you see them thriving.”
Hand-raising these joeys involves a level of dedication akin to raising human babies. From late-night feedings to creating a nurturing environment that simulates the care they would receive from their mothers, Seleena is committed to ensuring that Edgar and Honey have the best possible start to life.
Seleena’s home has become a safe haven for the two joeys, who have quickly adapted to their new surroundings. “Edgar loves exploring and climbing on everything, while Honey is content to snuggle and observe,” Seleena shared. “Each has their own personality, and it’s incredible to see them grow stronger and more confident every day.”
Providing care for these vulnerable joeys is a crucial part of the Park’s commitment to koala conservation. With wild populations facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and disease, each joey that survives is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the keepers.
Seleena hopes that by sharing the story of Edgar and Honey, more people will become aware of the plight of koalas and the efforts needed to protect them. “These little ones remind us how important it is to preserve our wildlife. It’s a privilege to care for them and to be a part of their journey.”
Once Edgar and Honey are fully independent, they will join the koala family at the Australian Reptile Park, where visitors can meet them up close and learn more about the challenges facing their species. They will join the five other koala joeys currently bonding with their koala mums in the Park’s koala enclosures, offering a unique opportunity for guests to witness the close-knit relationships between mothers and their young while learning about the vital role that conservation plays in securing the future of this beloved species.
For now, Edgar and Honey are thriving under Seleena’s devoted care, charming everyone they meet with their playful antics and heartwarming bond.
