Brumby and Willum, two male koalas, arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on June 10. and have been acclimating to their new home at the Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo. Now, the marsupials are ready to meet the public. Free with Zoo admission, the habitat features both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to observe these charismatic marsupials, during regular Zoo hours.
Willum, who was born in March 2022 at San Diego Zoo, can be distinguished by his darker nose than Brumby’s, and he is the larger of the two. His name is Aboriginal meaning “hut.” Brumby, who will be 2 years old in August, was also born at San Diego Zoo. He has a large pink spot on his nose. His name is also Aboriginal meaning “wild horse.” He got that name because when he was a joey, his mother would run around on the ground with him on her back. Since no Aboriginal translation for “jockey” was found “wild horse” was a close second.
As the first koalas to call the Zoo home in its 90-year history, their arrival is an important part of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s continued commitment to species conservation and environmental education. The koalas, who arrived at Brookfield Zoo Chicago accompanied by an animal care specialist from both zoos, are here through a loan partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and San Diego Zoo’s Koala Education and Conservation Project. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of only 11 accredited zoological facilities in North America, and the only in the Midwest, where the public has the opportunity to see and experience these unique and engaging animals.
Those interested in supporting the care of the koalas at Brookfield Zoo Chicago can contribute to the Animal Adoption program. For $35, a recipient receives the Friend Package, which includes a personalized certificate of adoption, a 5-inch x 7-inch color photograph of a koala, a fact sheet on the species, an Animal Adoption program decal, and an invitation to the exclusive 2024 Animal Adoption summer event. A Plush Package is also available for $65 and includes all the benefits of the Friend Package as well as an adorable 12-inch plush koala and four free tickets to the Animal Adoption evening in 2024. To purchase, visit brookfieldzoo.org/animaladoption.