'Happy 1st Birthday, Maya!' Zoo Celebrates First Koala Born In 10 Years

There’s a birthday girl at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Last year, Maya was the first koala to be born at the zoo in almost a decade. On Monday (February 8), the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo took to social media to wish Maya a happy birthday:

“Happy 1st birthday, Maya! Maya's arrival last year was very special as she was the first koala born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in nearly 10 years! She is becoming more independent each day, spending less time on mom’s back. Maya is also becoming a proficient climber and may even be seen sleeping elsewhere in the perching, other than right next to mom! She is only nursing occasionally, her diet now consists of 90% eucalyptus leaves. Guests can wish Maya a happy birthday at Gumleaf Hideout in Australian Adventure during normal Zoo hours.”

Maya was the first “joey” to mom Mackenzie and dad Nyoonbi, the zoo announced last year:

“Birth announcement! For the first time in nearly 10 years Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a baby #koala, also known as a joey! This is also the first joey for mom, Mackenzie, & dad, Nyoonbi. #FutureForWildlife”

For more information about the zoo, including hours and purchasing tickets, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo.

Photo: Getty Images