Longleat's baby koala finally named

The little one was born last year

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 12th Apr 2022

One of Longleat's newest arrivals, a southern koala, has finally been named eight months after she was born.

The Wiltshire Safari park reached a major milestone last year when mum Violet gave birth.

The southern koala is the only one to be born in Europe.

The joey spent the first few months in her mother's pouch making it difficult to determine which sex the new arrival was.

Last month Longleat revealed the new arrival was a girl and this week they've confirmed she's been given the name Hazel!

The park has been using a soft toy to help comfort Hazel when she's weighed.

Longleat keeper Jon Ovens feeds eucalyptus to little Hazel!

Southern koalas are considered to be vulnerable and Longleat is working to help secure their long term survival alongside the Government of South Australia and Cleland Wildlife Park.

Mum Violet was one of five koalas flown from Australia to the Wiltshire attraction in 2018 where a purpose built enclosure had been created.

Dad Burke came all the way from Osaka in Japan.

Koala Creek includes a natural stream, eucalyptus trees, climbing poles, a mix of indoor and outdoor habitats, viewing areas, and a medical care unit.

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