Vacation/Travel Supplement

Zoo celebrates 20 years: Koalas get summer vacation at Indianapolis Zoo

A koala perches in a tree at the San Diego Zoo in southern California. Two of their male koalas are on loan to the Indianapolis Zoo until Labor Day. Koalas are marsupials—like the kangaroo, wombat and opossum—not bears. Baby koalas are called “joeys.” Zoo staff members will order weekly shipments of eucalyptus from Florida and Arizona to feed the koalas this summer. (Submitted photo/courtesy San Diego Zoo and Indianapolis Zoo)

By Mary Ann Wyand

What’s new at the Indianapolis Zoo?

Two male koalas native to Australia and on loan from the San Diego Zoo flew from California to Indianapolis on a passenger—not cargo—flight on May 13, and are settling into their temporary home at the world-class zoo in White River State Park.

Bamba and Coombah traveled with a zoologist and received special airline accommodations with their cages strapped to passenger seats to minimize stress, according to Judith Gagan, the zoo’s director of communications.

Do marsupials experience jet lag?

They sleep 18 hours or more a day, Gagan said, so probably took a long nap during the flight. They only eat eucalyptus—which is low in nutrition—so they tire easily.

Since 2000, koalas have been protected as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Gagan said the Queensland koalas will meet the public in Indianapolis for the first time on May 24 as part of the zoo’s 20th anniversary celebration, which begins with the start of the summer season on Memorial Day weekend.

With 3,800 animals representing 320 species, there are always new babies and updated exhibits at the zoo, located at 1200 W. Washington St. near downtown Indianapolis.

Like Australian kangaroos, koalas are marsupials and have a pouch to carry their babies, Gagan said. Originally from the Australian Outback, they have cute faces and resemble Teddy bears, but also have very sharp claws.

She said it’s been 13 years since koalas lived at the zoo.

If you want to watch the koalas climb trees and dine on euchalyptus leaves, visit the Forests Biome at the zoo this summer, Gagan said, because Bamba and Coombah will return to San Diego on Labor Day, which is on Sept. 1 this year.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Indianapolis Zoo’s 20th anniversary celebration on June 11, which commemorates two decades at White River State Park, Gagan said. On that day, zoo visitors will be able to buy admission tickets at the 1988 prices of $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children— a considerable savings from the zoo’s current admission fees of $13.50 for adults and $8.50 for seniors and children.

And don’t forget to say hello to the koalas. †