You can eat like the new Koalas, Milo and Thackory

Indianapolis Zoo Chef Joe Hsu prepares some yummy dishes inspired by the new Koalas arrival. Plus find out why they love that eucalyptus so much.

Like all animals at the Indianapolis Zoo, these koalas are ambassadors for their species. Having them here helps raise awareness to the threats their counterparts face in the wild. In Australia, koalas are losing their forest home as the land is converted for urban development. The Zoo welcomed koalas back in 2008 and the visit was a huge hit. Interestingly, Milo is the son of Coombah who was one of the koalas in Indianapolis in 2008.  The exhibit is open May 23 through Labor Day at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Wildly Cute Koalas Biographies

Milo:

Means: “Eye” in Aboriginal

Birthdate: July 2, 2011 (4 years old)

Milo is the son of Coombah (who was part of the 2008 exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo)

and Cooladdi.

He is a very energetic koala, and is frequently seen jumping from perch to perch.

He was named Milo (“Eye”) because his eye was the first thing keepers saw peeking through his mom’s pouch before he fully emerged.

Thackory:

Means: “Heavy” in Aboriginal

Birthdate: June 15, 2011 (4 years old)

He is easy to identify because he has a pink spot on his nose.

He’s a laid back koala who loves to greet his keepers at the door in the morning while he waits for his breakfast.

Thackory’s parents were Muuri and Nariah, also two laid back koalas.

He was named Thackory (“heavy”) because he was the larger of the two.

Milo and Thackory were roommates while they were young because they were so close in age.

They were separated once they became sexually mature.

For all the latest info, visit indianapoliszoo.com