Young kangaroo cousins dazzle with their poise and elegance
In a heartwarming event at Dresden Zoo, a new koala cub has become the current favourite visitor attraction. The adorable cub, born last year on November 18, 2024, is now visible to the public, snuggled up with its mother, Eerin.
The birth of the koala cub was a significant moment, as it is relatively common for koala births to be observed in zoos with active breeding programs. In the case of Dresden Zoo, zookeeper Olaf Lohnitz had the unique opportunity to witness the birth from the visitor side of the PBH enclosure.
Koala births typically occur during the breeding season, which runs roughly from October to May. During this period, female koalas (does) exhibit clear signs of oestrus, such as leaning their heads back and shaking their bodies to signal readiness to mate. After mating, the gestation period lasts just over a month, after which the tiny joey crawls into the mother’s pouch to continue development.
Early signs of pregnancy in a mother koala can be subtle, and zookeepers monitor changes such as decreased appetite or activity, and close observation of the pouch area, as the tiny joey will soon move there. In the case of Eerin, a characteristic mucus trail was observed, indicating independent entry of the cub into the pouch.
It's only after several weeks that the growing and moving cub becomes visible in the pouch. Determining the exact birth date in koalas can be challenging as births are rarely observed.
The newborn koala cub is eating eucalyptus and is often seen resting throughout the day. This is the second cub born to koala female Eerin, and each koala is crucial for strengthening the population.
While the gender and name of the koala cub have not been revealed yet, one thing is certain - the little one is already stealing hearts at Dresden Zoo. The birth of this koala cub is a testament to the successful koala breeding program at the zoo and contributes to species conservation and the study of reproductive biology.
It's worth noting that koala breeding in zoos is not guaranteed. Each successful birth is a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. The koala cub at Dresden Zoo is a beacon of hope for the future of koalas.
The successful koala breeding program at Dresden Zoo, like home-and-garden projects, demands constant care and attention to detail. Each new koala cub, such as the recent cub with its growing popularity, significantly contributes to the lifestyles of those who care for them and the overall population of these vulnerable animals.
