From mellow to bellow: Koalas call for a mate
It is not very often you hear a koala bellowing, but the ones at Healesville Sanctuary have been extra vocal of late – letting out a unique call that is surprising visitors.
These normally mellow marsupials are known to sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day; however, they are wasting no time this breeding season, calling out at the top of their voices to say – ‘hey, I’m looking for a mate’.
Healesville Sanctuary Keeper Craig McQueen said it is common during spring to hear the male koalas make the deep, low, grumbling sound. However, the female koala bellow is often more subtle and not heard as commonly as
the boys.
"If you’re lucky enough, you may hear one of the female koalas bellowing,” Mr McQueen said. "They normally do this at a very specific time during their oestrous cycle, usually in response to males.”
Healesville Sanctuary plans to breed some of its koalas later this season.
“We look for the signs that our females and males are ready to breed, we then introduce them, and then see what happens."
During spring it is common to see koalas climbing down from their usual tree perch and along the ground while moving from tree to tree in search for a breeding partner. This behaviour occurs both in the wild and at the Sanctuary.
Southern Koalas are listed as Vulnerable in Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT, and Near Threatened in Victoria.
Zoos Victoria members and Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all adult ticketholders (16 years and over) are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au