Sad Goodbye: Rest In Peace, Irwin - Europe's Oldest Koala at 17
Koala Irwin, Europe's Eldest, Passed Away at 17 Years Old - Europe's oldest known koala, Irwin, has passed away at the age of 17.
Waves of sorrow are rippling through Zoo Duisburg as they bid farewell to Irwin, the oldest male koala in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. This 17-year-old Aussie native captivated visitors and staff alike with his charm and chilled-out demeanor.
Irwin's condition gradually deteriorated, leaving him weak, with decreased appetite, and steadily losing weight. A series of blood tests confirmed the grim diagnosis: leukemia, leaving no room for recovery. The zoo broke the news on their Facebook page, sharing the heartache felt by everyone at the zoo.
Losing a Beloved Pillar of the Zoo
Last Saturday, the Zoo Duisburg team made the difficult decision to euthanize Irwin. Zoological director Oliver Mojecki described the moment as losing a pillar, a cherished "character animal" that graced their zoo with his unique presence. The zoo staff and visitors adored him for his calm, attentive, and confident nature, making him an irreplaceable presence.
Kees, one of those who cared for Irwin daily, likened his civility to a gentleman, noting that even during mating season, he displayed extraordinary patience and consideration towards the ladies. It was not uncommon to find Irwin voluntarily submitting to medical exams without needing to be restrained, displaying his exceptional temperament.
A Majestic Koala with a Unique Spirit
Irwin first arrived at Zoo Duisburg in March 2013, brought over from the Australian Taronga Zoo for conservation purposes. Over the years, Irwin's genes have been passed on to nine offspring, with his firstborn, Yiribana, still residing at the zoo, continuing his legacy and adding another generation to the family tree.
While Zoo Duisburg is not currently leading a European koala breeding program, they do play a crucial role in the conservation effort. Taking care of koalas is no easy feat, given their unique diet consisting solely of eucalyptus and their finicky eating habits.
As we celebrate Irwin's life and remember the unique spirit he brought to Zoo Duisburg, we are reminded of the challenges faced by these incredible creatures and the need for continued conservation efforts on behalf of koalas around the world.
- koala
- Duisburg
- Zoo Duisburg
- Europe
- Zoos
[1]: Zoos Around the World are Working Tirelessly to help Save the Koala from Extinction[4]: Podcast: Saving the Koalas - The Tastiest Trees in the World and the Conservation Efforts that Save Them
The Commission, in response to Irwin's passing and the importance of koala conservation, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of animals and the environment. During his 17 years at Zoo Duisburg, Irwin, Europe's oldest koala, transformed not only his enclosure but also the lifestyle of those who admired him, making home-and-garden stories about his captivating charm common among visitors.
