When Fox met the Fox sisters! Endangered Koala joey at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo named after Jess and Noemie Fox

Australian gold medallists’ sisters meet their adorable marsupial namesake!

Today, zookeepers at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour introduced Australian Gold Medallist sisters – Jess and Noemie Fox to an Endangered ten-month-old koala joey who has been named Fox in their honour.

The month of September is Save The Koala Month – an annual worldwide event dedicated to raising awareness about koalas and their habitat. Fox is a testament to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conserving these Endangered marsupials through a nationally coordinated breeding effort.

Koala Keeper at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Alie Selveraj, expressed her excitement, saying, "We were delighted to welcome Jess and Noemie to meet Fox! Like so many Australians, we were inspired witnessing their triumphant efforts in Paris and knew we needed to name our newest koala joey after them! Just like Koalas, Jess and Noemie are a symbol of national pride and the spirit of Australia and we were honoured to welcome them today.”

“In a few years, when Fox is mature, he will play an important part in supporting the future of the species. He will be paired with genetically diverse females, by zoo matchmakers, in hopes of producing the next generation of joeys. Koalas were declared Endangered in February 2022, granting the species greater protection and increased initiatives by conservation groups, including zoos like ours to support them,” added Alie.

Jess and Noemie Fox said, “Meeting Fox, the adorable koala named in our honour, has been a highlight for us post Paris. We are so excited to have the opportunity to see him in person and hope our visit encourages more support for koala conservation."

Guests can get up close to the zoo’s six resident koalas by participating in a Breakfast with the Koalas Experience which includes a zookeeper-led guided tour, hot buffet breakfast and take-home photo alongside the koalas.