CLEVELAND — One year ago, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrated the arrival of Maya, a koala born at the zoo to mother Mackenzie and father Nyoonbi. Now, the zoo is celebrating her first birthday.
Maya’s birth was a special one, marking the first koala born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in nearly 10 years.
While Maya was born in February, she made her first appearance out of her mother’s pouch in August.
Joeys tend to stay in their mother’s pouch for about six months, but as soon as Maya made her first appearance, she captured the heart of zookeepers and guests immediately.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo said Maya is becoming more independent every day, spending less time on her mom’s back and becoming a proficient climber.
Maya has been nursing far less and her diet is now 90% eucalyptus leaves.
Guests at the zoo can visit Maya and her family at Gumleaf Hideout in the Australian Adventure exhibit during normal zoo hours.
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