oldest koala in captivity

A 24-year-old koala, a female named Midori, has achieved the record title for the oldest living koala in captivity and the oldest koala in captivity ever

You'd think that this little fluffball lives in Australia, but although she is from there originally, she actually lives in Japan!

She resides at Awaji Farm Park England Hill.

Midori looking up

Midori's age is the human equivalent of over 110 years old! 😲

On average, koalas live to around 15 or 16 years old.

What makes Midori even more amazing is that she can still climb trees, feed by herself, and can still appear in front of visitors.

"It's thanks to enormous support and courage from everyone, including farmers who deliver fresh Eucalyptus to us." - Kazuhiko Tahara, the head of England Hill

Midori was born on the 1st of February, 1997, in Australia. 

Oldest living koala Midori eating eucalyptus

In 2003, Midori was sent from Yanchep National Park in Australia to Hyogo Prefecture in Japan as a gift from the Western Australia state government.

Midori's typical day (like other koalas) is mainly eating then sleeping. What a life!

As she's so old, sometimes zookeepers have to help her with feeding. 

Oldest living koala Midori up on a tree

According to the keeper who looks after Midori, "she shakes her head and makes a smug face" when she's climbed to the top of a tree.

It sounds like Midori is a little sassy! 

Midori in June 2005

Koalas are sensitive creatures, and at England Park, visitors can only see the koalas through a glass window. 

Only zookeepers who work with koalas can get close to them.

The koala keepers clip their nails, brush them regularly, and do a health check every month. 

Oldest living koala Midori getting her nail clipped

If required, keepers take care of them in various ways, including a massage, and keep a good eye on subtle changes to their condition.

Kazuhiro says he is happy to see Midori receive not one but two Guinness World Records Certificates: "I'm very grateful that she was certified for such an honourable record, and provided an opportunity for a lot of people to know about her."

Oldest living koala Midori asleep

The staff at England Park now hope to be with Midori for as long as possible. They also hope to welcome more visitors who come to see Midori.

To be able to show Midori to the public is in itself miraculous. We hope to welcome visitors to see her being well and active.

Photos courtesy of Awaji Farm Park England Hill