TIDBINBILLA Nature Reserve’s captive koala population has been boosted with the arrival of eight koalas from the Otway Ranges in Victoria, and the community has been asked to name the new residents. 

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury says four female koalas and their four back young (one male and three females) have arrived at the Reserve, and will be in quarantine for three weeks.

“The new arrivals have brought Tidbinbilla’s captive koala population to ten, the largest group of these unique marsupials at Tidbinbilla since the area was devastated by the 2003 bushfires,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“The intake will ensure koalas continue to be part of the threatened species captive wildlife program at Tidbinbilla. This is vital to the ongoing conservation management of koalas which, in the ACT, are classified as a threatened species.

Mr Rattenbury said the important decision to name the koalas, is up to the community to decide.

“I encourage individuals, families and groups to get their thinking caps on to come up with eight creative, unique and interesting names, perhaps reflecting the iconic nature of these majestic creatures,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“You might draw your inspiration from the beautiful habitat the koalas are home to, or perhaps you can think of a Ngunnawal-inspired name – the possibilities are endless.”

Send your suggestion, along with your name and a short rationale for your chosen koala name, to info@tidbinbilla.com.au with ‘koala naming competition’ in the subject, or comment on the koala naming competition post on Tidbinbilla’s Facebook page (Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – TAMS). Alternatively, you can drop into the visitor centre at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Namadgi National Park and fill out a suggestion form.

All suggestions must be in by Wednesday 13 November, when a process will begin to narrow the field to just 20 names. After the shortlisting process you will have one week to vote for your favourite name out of the 20 choices, and the eight names with the most votes will be given to the koalas. 

For more information visit www.tidbinbilla.com.au or www.tams.act.gov.au