Trending
Baby koala at Cleveland zoo breaks 10-year joey drought
This baby koala is the definition of “cuteness overload.”
Cedric Jackson
09.11.20

People love to visit the zoo. It’s not only fun but also educational. Of course, the best time to go is right after one of the animals has given birth. For people in Ohio, they had to wait a long time before a Koala had a baby.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

This particular zoo has gone to great lengths to create a place where animals receive superior care. Compared to a lot of other facilities, this one is massive. Along with the animals, it has 18 reservations and a popular golf course.

Unsplash/Theresa Turner
Source:
Unsplash/Theresa Turner

The main attraction

For years, the pristine golf course was the primary reason for visiting Metroparks. But that’s now changed. Although Koala bears have been a part of the zoo’s display for a long time, it’s been more than a decade since a baby Joey was born.

Unsplash/Don Stouder
Source:
Unsplash/Don Stouder

Making the announcement

As soon as a zoo official announced the birth of a Joey Koala, people near and far went wild. Many of them had been following the story for some time. So, finally hearing the birth took place was extra special. More than anything, they glad that both mom and baby are doing fine.

YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent

Cute, cuddly, and beyond adorable

Today, people throughout Ohio are celebrating the arrival of a new baby. After all, they’ve waited patiently for over 10 years. Even individuals living in other states and countries are excited about the news. This little guy made quite the entrance.

YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent

Some interesting facts

You might not know but for the first six months of a baby Koala’s life, they remain secure inside their mom’s pouch. Being so small at birth, they need that time to develop. Keep in mind that when first born, babies are only about two centimeters in length and they have no fur.

YouTube Screenshot/Fun Zone
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Fun Zone

A pink jellybean

That’s what one person said the new Joey Koala in Cleveland looked like. And they’re right. They’re super tiny and without fur, they don’t look anything like an adult Koala. But in time, that’ll all change.

YouTube Screenshot/Shelly Burrowes
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Shelly Burrowes

More fun facts

Baby Koalas don’t have their eyes or ears open for a while as they’re not yet fully developed. By staying inside the mom’s pouch, they begin to grow. In roughly five to six months, they begin to peer out. But they won’t leave the safety of the pouch until around seven months.

YouTube Screenshot/Mind Warehouse
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Mind Warehouse

Exploring the world

Once a baby Koala feels comfortable enough to leave the pouch, they move around to explore. With strong forearms, they climb trees. Like other zoos, the one in Cleveland ensures their Koalas have Eucalyptus trees in their area since the leaves are their favorite food.

YouTube Screenshot/Tyrone Tongia
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Tyrone Tongia

Big personality

It doesn’t take long for Joey Koalas to show their personalities. While a docile animal, when little, they’re somewhat mischievous. They get an attitude, test mom’s nerves, and sometimes, find themselves in situations where they need the mother to rescue them.

YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent

Mom and baby up close

Several people uploaded videos of the Cleveland Joey, giving people the chance to watch as he and his mom interact. It’s precious. As time passes, things will become even more exciting than they already are.

YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Northeast Ohio Parent

If you want to see this little guy and his loving mom, check out the video below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Little Things, YouTube

Advertisement