For the first time in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s 90-year history, koalas will call the wildlife park home.
Two male koalas, Brumby and Willum, arrived at the zoo on Monday and have been adjusting to their new home at the Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo. On Tuesday, June 18, the male koalas will be introduced to the public.
Zoo officials said the koalas’ arrival continues its commitment to “species conservation and environmental education.”
Brumby and Willum may look like bears, but the 2-year-old marsupials are more closely related to wombats and kangaroos.
But when it comes to activity, the zoo’s newest koalas are more likely to lounge, sleeping anywhere from 18 to 22 hours a day to conserve their energy. This is due to a specific diet involving eucalyptus leaves, which are highly poisonous to most other animals.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is located at 3300 Gold Road and is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
