What Are Baby Koalas Called?

Baby koalas are called joeys. The term joey is widely used for the young of all marsupials such as kangaroos, opossums, and wallabies.

Koala mothers only give birth to one baby at a time. A joey is born in a highly undeveloped state after a short gestation period of about 34 to 36 days. This tiny, blind, and hairless baby then makes its way to the mother’s pouch. Once inside the pouch, the joey attaches itself to one of the mother’s teats. The joey first puts its head out of the pouch at about five months of age. For up to six weeks it is weaned on a soupy predigested eucalyptus called pap that is lapped directly from the mother’s anus. A joey stays in the mother’s pouch for about seven months. During this time, the joey receives all the nutrients it needs to grow and develop. When the joey is about seven months of age, it keeps nursing from the mother but also feeds on leaves. Eventually, the joey leaves the pouch entirely, clinging to its mother’s back until about a year as it learns to navigate the trees and find food.