Wild To Wild: The Growing Legacy of the Wild Koala Breeding Program

Just over one year on from its launch, Koala Conservation Australia’s Wild Koala Breeding Program at Guulabaa – Place of Koala is already delivering powerful conservation outcomes — and the excitement is only growing.

Our first breeding season exceeded expectations, with a 100% breeding success rate and seven healthy joeys welcomed into the world. These joeys represent more than a heart-warming milestone; they are living proof that carefully managed, science-led breeding in a natural forest environment can play a critical role in securing the future of koalas.

Now, as we move into our second breeding season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation across our team. Early behavioural indicators suggest that some of our breeding pairs are settling in well — and while it’s still early days, we’re quietly hopeful that there may already be positive news on the horizon.

Recently, we were proud to welcome the incredible crew from A Zoo Like No Other to our Wild Koala Breeding Centre, who spent time with our team filming a special episode focused on koalas and our wild breeding program. Their visit — and some of the footage they’ve shared with us — captures not just the science behind the program, but the heart, hope and shared vision that drives this work. 

This program is about much more than numbers. By strengthening genetic diversity, deepening our understanding of koala health and reproduction, and working within a setting that closely mirrors the wild, we’re building a conservation model designed for long-term impact. Every joey born here contributes valuable knowledge that can support wild populations facing increasing pressures from habitat loss, disease and climate extremes.

We look forward to sharing more updates soon and, with a little luck, celebrating the next chapter in this growing koala legacy.