Gumbuya’s joey gets her name

Little Pebble keeping close to mum. Picture: GUMBUYA WORLD

By Mitchell Clarke

Gumbuya World’s “little bundle of joy” has officially been given a name after the public were left with the final say.

The park’s first ever koala joey was named Pebble, after six names – chosen by Gumbuya’s wildlife rangers – were put forward in a public vote.

The names in contention were Cali, Manna, Merindah, Pebble, Warrath and Winter, and the winning name was livestreamed on Facebook.

Ranger Benny Bradley reveals the joey”s new name.
The youngster has already worked up quite the appetite for gum leaves.

Ranger Alicia Aitken chose the name Pebble, and said she was “really, really happy” the public liked her suggestion so much.

“We had Willow and River (her parents) and I thought it’d be cool to keep the nature based theme and I stumbled across Pebble.

“She might not remain as little as a pebble forever, she might grow up to be more like a stone,” she laughed.

“But she’s always going to be cute and she’s really our pride and joy.”

The month of September marks Save the Koala Month, a campaign which aims to highlight the small changes people can make in their daily lives to help save the iconic Australian animal.