Koalas Right at Home in New Zoo Habitat

The new Koala Habitat at the Palm Beach Zoo (Photo: NPBL)

Ellin resting (Photo: NPBL)

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

When do you bring eucalyptus leaves as a house-warming gift? When the new home's occupants are koalas, of course.

The Palm Beach Zoo, along with special guests, dignitaries and invited media, welcomed their two koalas -- Ellin, the female, and Sydney, the male -- to their new digs April 24 in a preview look at the zoo's Koala Habitat.

The opening of the expanded indoor/outdoor enclosure, with the look and feel of the Australian Outback, is timely given Ellin and Sydney are proud parents of a joey, still safely tucked away in the mother's pouch. The koalas now have a choice of moving from the climate-controlled indoor area to an outdoor forest, always in view of zoo visitors in a space designed to promote exercise and exploration.

"This new habitat for these koalas invites all of us to slow down, take a deep breath and experience nature the way the koalas do," said Casey Coy, the zoo's chief operating officer. Zoo CEO & President, Margo McKnight, referred to the koalas as "Zen masters" that "nap 18-20 hours a day," adding "even when they're asleep you feel the awe, and that's the beginning of being connected to nature."

Ms. McKnight also recognized local artist Craig McGinnis, who designed the enclosure's Australian-themed feel of being Down Under.

In an earlier press release, the zoo noted that "Koalas in North America are on loan from the Australian federal government to help with conservation practices for this endangered species. . .As one of the few institutions with koalas, the Zoo’s koala experience has helped drive tourism to the county time and time again. In fact, the Zoo sees many visitors (international and those from other states) visit Palm Beach County specifically for this koala experience."

"They are really struggling in the wild," said Ms. McKnight, "and every single new birth is celebrated." She also talked about the koala nose, which functions "like an amazing computer that allows them to be one of the most efficient animals on the planet."

Since they solely exist on eucalyptus leaves -- "the most dangerous diet of any animal in the zoo" -- she said their nose can determine the toxin and water levels in a leaf. "They'll sniff a leaf and nope, not that one," said Ms. McKnight. So a typical day for a koala is find leaves, eat, then nap the rest of the time. Not bad work if you can get it.

Ms. McKnight concluded by saying, "Your support helps us care for the animals here and protect endangered species around the globe. Every time you visit the zoo, you're a wildlife hero."

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Photos/Video by North Palm Beach Life