The first koala to be born at Yanchep National Park in 15 years has passed his first full health check with flying colours.

In May the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) said Djilba, who was born in February last year, weighed a healthy 4.5kg.

A veterinary team from Perth Zoo visited Yanchep to carry out a health check of the then 14-month-old koala while he was under general anaesthetic.

The team were able to examine Djilba’s overall body condition, take blood samples, check dental health and insert an identifying microchip under his skin.

Senior ranger Phillipa Jarvis Carboon said it had been a joy to watch Djilba’s development during the past year.

“He’s got a beautiful little character,’’ she said.

“He’s been climbing with mum Miffy and learning to climb independently as well, which is really, really important.

“He’s become completely self-reliant, self-sufficient.

“So, it’s just a really good time to check him out and microchip him as well.”

Samples of his blood were taken to undergo testing for general health as well as specific testing for cryptococcus, toxoplasmosis and chlamydia.

Djilba’s nose, eyes and teeth were also inspected and showed the koala to be developing well.

Perth Zoo veterinary nursing supervisor Peta Moore said Djilba was the picture of health.

“Djilba scored 10 out of 10 in regards to his health,’’ she said.

“He is perfectly scored in his body condition so he’s eating well.

“He’s still got a lot of growing to do.

“He’s four and a half kilos, so he will definitely double in that size.

“We found no problems today.”

After a day’s recovery in quarantine, Djilba rejoined Yanchep National Park’s koala colony. Instead of going back in the section with mum Miffy, Djilba was placed with veteran male Koodah, the last koala to be born at Yanchep back in 2010.

Southern koalas have been part of Yanchep National Park since 1938.

DBCA said there were six koalas in the colony; Koodah, Miffy, Louie, Franklin-Doogsie, Poppy and Djilba.

Djilba was born to Miffy and Louie, who joined the colony in October 2024.

DBCA has hopes that other recent arrivals Franklin-Doogsie (Louie’s brother) and Poppy will mate after being paired in the same section since late last year.

DBCA said the park’s koala colony served as a healthy satellite breeding population, in support of wider national conservation efforts for the species.

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 11 June 2026
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