Columbia Zoo Introduces Adorable New Koala, Milo, as He Prepares for Courtship with Kirra

Columbia Welcomes a New Koala Superstar: Meet Milo!

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden welcomes a charming new resident — Milo the Koala! Let’s dive into what makes this furry friend so special and what he’s up to at the zoo.

A New Beginning

Milo, a wise 13-year-old koala, arrived in Columbia on October 15 and is currently settling into his new home. His mission? To join forces with Kirra, a sprightly 2-year-old, for a very important purpose: making more adorable koalas. But hold on, the introduction is a bit of a process!

During his initial days, Milo has been quarantining and getting acclimated to his surroundings. He’s been busy getting to know the sounds and smells of the zoo, all while dreaming of his future cozy naps on some sturdy eucalyptus branches.

Getting Acquainted

Right now, Milo and Kirra are separated by a tall glass partition, a situation that has their caretakers, including the delightful Anna Anderson, cautiously optimistic. They are currently observing “howdy introductions” where the two can see and smell each other but can’t physically touch. It’s like a first date without actually meeting!

“We make it so they can see and smell each other, but they can’t exactly get to each other,” Anna explains while observing their interactions. “They definitely stared at each other like, ‘You’re new, you’re different.’” If that isn’t the cutest koala courtship, we don’t know what is!

The Koala Experience at Riverbanks

Did you know that Riverbanks Zoo is one of only 11 zoos across the United States that houses these marvelous marsupials? Koalas are endangered and are native to Australia, but thankfully, Columbia offers a warm enough climate for them to thrive outside for most of the year.

Milo’s arrival was part of a smart zoos-swap initiative with Zoo Miami, where Riverbanks Zoo sent Kirra’s dad, Coedie, south in exchange.

Fun Facts and Future Plans

Once Milo and Kirra are given the green light to meet face-to-face, all systems are go for starting their breeding journey together! But it’s crucial for their caregivers to approach this with caution. Koalas, while adorable, do come with sharp claws that are meant for climbing trees. No one wants any unexpected drama on date night!

“We definitely pay attention to their cues and signals,” emphasizes Anna. “It’s very well thought out, very strategic.” After all, koalas usually prefer their solitude in the trees, and this will be Kirra’s first foray into the breeding world!

The Cost of Cuteness

It takes quite an effort to keep these koalas happy and healthy. They each snack on a medley of fresh eucalyptus leaves daily, which cost about $2,000 per week! And yes, you guessed it — the zoo has to keep a sizable walk-in fridge just to store all those yummy leaves! Eucalyptus is flown in from Florida and Arizona twice a week, making feeding time quite the logistical feat.

Koalas can live up to 15 years in human care, and with conservation challenges like deforestation, having facilities like Riverbanks Zoo caring for them is more critical than ever. “This is a species that may not be here, local to the U.S., but it’s still a species worth preserving,” Anna explains passionately.

Come Meet Milo!

As Milo gears up to fully merge into koala society at Riverbanks Zoo, he brings with him a message that transcends his sleepy demeanor — it’s essential to keep our wildlife and their habitats safe. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Milo once he’s officially introduced to Kirra. The cuddly duo is sure to steal our hearts!

So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by Riverbanks Zoo and catch a glimpse of Milo’s big debut — and cheer on this dynamic duo as they embark on their adorable adventure together!