Redland City Council’s ‘Name a koala joey’ competition has resulted in the three newest ambassador koalas on Birkdale Community Precinct being named ‘Luna’, ‘Fluffnut’ and ‘Gummie’.
Ranger Stacey was on hand to present competition winners with their prizes of a family pass to Pat Malone’s Magic Garden (showing in June 2024 at Redland Performing Arts Centre), a $50 Redlands IndigiScapes Centre voucher, and an early entry family pass to one of Council’s upcoming Koalas in the Wild walks.
More than 100 creative and colourful entries were received from children of all ages from across south-east Queensland, and all of the names suggested will be added to Council’s ambassador koala naming list for future consideration.
The winning Name a koala joey competition winners are:
- Angeline, 5: Gummie – Gummie loves gum leaves so much.
- Avah, 8: Fluffnut – It suits them and it describes them. Also because they are really fluffy and because they live in gum trees and gum trees have nuts in them.
- Celia, 11: Luna – Luna means ‘moon’ and koalas are nocturnal animals so they only come out when the moon comes out.
As ambassador koalas, the joeys will be fitted with GPS collars and Bluetooth ear tags to track their movements. They will also receive regular health checks.
The Council says partnerships with research organisations such as the University of the Sunshine Coast Detection Dogs for Conservation assists its understanding of koala movement behaviour, enabling more effective habitat enhancement projects.
“Whether it’s koala-proof fencing to help prevent death or injury by vehicle strike, research to understand nutritional ecology for koalas, or regular health monitoring, Council is committed to working with experts on initiatives and programs that help improve conservation outcomes for this precious, endangered marsupial,” Council said in a statement.
“The enhanced research, habitat rehabilitation and koala management actions at Birkdale Community Precinct will improve the carrying capacity (koala numbers) and health of koalas in the precinct – continuing to demonstrate Council’s leadership in best practice koala management for an urban area.”
