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

Djilba, who was born to Miffy in February last year, is now 14 months old and weighs a healthy 4.5kg.

A veterinary team from Perth Zoo visited Yanchep to carry out a health check under general anaesthetic. 

The team got up-close to examine overall body condition, take blood samples, check dental health and insert an identifying microchip under Djilba’s skin.

Senior Ranger Phillipa Jarvis Carboon said it’s been a joy to watch Djilba develop over the last year.

“He's got a beautiful little character. 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 blood will 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 is the picture of health.

“Djilba scored 10 out of 10 today in regards to his health. 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 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 has been 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. There are currently 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. And there are 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.

The park's koala colony serves as a healthy satellite breeding population, in support of wider national conservation efforts for the species.

The koalas can be viewed from a visitor boardwalk that winds through carefully managed koala habitat. Yanchep's koala attraction is best viewed between the hours of 8am to 4.30pm and is open daily.