On Thursday Riverbanks Zoo introduced its newest resident, Oliver the baby koala. Oliver was born in late April of 2009 to parents Lottie and Jimmy. According to zoo officials the newborn spent nearly seven months developing in his mother’s pouch before the keepers even got a peek at him.
“The keepers observed movement in Lottie’s pouch in July, but it wasn’t until late October that they got the first look at Oliver’s face,” said John Davis, curator of mammals at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
According to zoo officials Oliver will remain at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the next several months while he continues to grow. Once he reaches about 12 months, he will be considered mature and weaned from his mother. Ultimately, Oliver will be transferred to another zoo based on breeding recommendations from the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
You can find Oliver and his parents in the "Koala Knockabout," inside Riverbanks Zoo.
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