Stuttgart Zoo Announces Gender of Newborn Koalas

The Stuttgart Zoo has revealed the genders of its recently born koalas, bringing exciting news for animal lovers and zoo visitors alike. The young joeys were born in June 2024 and made their first public appearance shortly before Christmas. While the two koalas have yet to be named, the zoo confirmed that one is male and the other is female.

Wilhelma Zoo's director, Thomas Kölpin, expressed enthusiasm about the next steps in the naming process now that their genders are known. The names of these koalas will carry special significance as they are part of a breeding program involving a loan from the Australian government. Kölpin noted that they have already reached out to Australia for name suggestions, emphasizing the importance of expressing gratitude through the chosen names.

Currently, there are only four zoos in Germany that house koalas, including the Stuttgart Zoo, Duisburg Zoo, Leipzig Zoo, and Dresden Zoo. The limited number of facilities is due to the specific and demanding care requirements of koalas, which primarily feed on the leaves and bark of select eucalyptus species. Zoos often have to arrange for the delivery of these specialized diets to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.

The male joey was born to Scarborough, affectionately known as "Scar," while the female joey is the offspring of another koala named Auburn. Both mothers are caring for their young, and the zoo staff is actively monitoring their development.

As the koalas grow more independent, the Stuttgart Zoo looks forward to sharing their names and personalities with the public. The interest in these unique marsupials continues to draw attention, reflecting the commitment of the Wilhelma Zoo to conservation and education regarding these iconic Australian animals.