First joey born in Aussie Ark’s chlamydia-free insurance population

New Koala joey born in the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary to mother Banksia

With Save the Koala Month beginning today, conservation organisation Aussie Ark is thrilled to announce the first birth of a Koala joey in its Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary since the Sanctuary was famously confirmed chlamydia-free as part of a nation-leading pilot program striving to save the species from extinction.

The joey is approximately seven months old and only just making an appearance outside the pouch. Its existence was confirmed using specialised radio tracking, which located the mother Banksia high in a tree. The joey was clearly seen, hugged protectively by Banksia.

This is the second joey for Banksia, who is one of eight original founding Koala adults naturally occurring in the 400-hectare feral-proof Sanctuary. Banksia first came into the limelight last year as part of Aussie Ark’s complex Koala capture and care operation, when all eight Koalas were located, sedated, and rigorously health tested.

The focus of the testing was to determine if chlamydia was present in the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary. Chlamydia is an infectious disease that’s decimating wild Koalas nationwide. If left untreated, it causes blindness, infertility, and even death. Sadly, five of Aussie Ark’s eight wild Koalas were chlamydia positive and required treatment and surgery before re-release. They all made a full recovery and will live long lives.

Incredibly, Banksia and joey Gymea were chlamydia-free (and fertile)! Banksia was fitted with a radio collar, and the pair was released immediately. Shortly afterwards, Gymea was independent … and Banksia was pregnant again!

Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid was the first team member to spot “a bulge in Banksia’s belly” and lead the operation to locate Banksia and confirm the new joey. Doing so was a career highlight for Dean, who admits the Koala is his favourite animal.

“For a Koala-lover like me, this is the best day of my life!” Mr Reid said. “Today, being able to see the little joey, tucked up in mum’s arms, was a really special moment for me. This is the first joey born in our confirmed chlamydia-free Koala family. As such, it’s a symbol of hope, and testimony to how healthy our Koalas are and how well Aussie Ark has done securing this healthy and happy insurance population.The Koala is Australia’s most iconic and recognisable animal, and Aussie Ark takes the responsibility of care very seriously. Scientists predict Koalas could be extinct in the wild as early as 2050, making Aussie Ark’s efforts, and this birth, even more notable.

As part of Save the Koala Month, Aussie Ark is urging Australians to help safeguard the future of their newborn Koala joey and ensure the survival of this iconic species by donating to their Spring Appeal at Aussie Ark.