Winberry
Update: In June 2022 we believed that koala Winberry had passed away. On July 21st he was found alive and well at one of our new tree planting sites. This is a sign of the impact of our work – click here to plant a tree for koala Winberry today.
Winberry is a super koala. Unlike most males, who never attain dominant male status at all, Winberry became dominant male at a young age. Even more rare – Winberry maintained his dominance for 7 years. Most dominant males are lucky to stay at the top for 3 years.
Family Tree:
Winberry – Ngardang
FATHER MOTHER
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Lakorra (f) b 2017
Winberry – Mara
FATHER MOTHER
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Bo (m) b 2016 & Pickle (m) b 2018
Winberry – Wemba
FATHER MOTHER
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Wemberi (m?) b 2016 & Burdungul (m?) b 2017 & Djaki (f) b 2018
Winberry – Djadja
FATHER MOTHER
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Beanie (m?) b 2017
How often do we see him?
Winberry is seen often. He was seen on 55 research days in 2017 and 83 times in 2018. In 2019 he was seen on 152 research days, and on 84 days in 2020.
Who does he share his habitat with?
Winberry has changed his home range a bit once he lost his top position, first to Clancy, and then to Mabo. He now shares his home with females Kozo, Djadja and Wemba.
How is climate change affecting him?
Like all koalas, as Winberry ages his teeth wear down. Over time it becomes difficult for him to extract the limited goodness out of the eucalyptus leaves. He would be seeking softer, more nutritious foliage on trees like River Red Gums. He also needs more water as his kidneys age and become less efficient. Added to this, climate change is making his habitat drier and his leaves are less nutritious than they were 10 years ago.
When male koalas get very old and lose their status in their community they can be forced out of the good quality habitat by younger, stronger males. That makes it even harder for them to get the nutrition and water they need.
How will our tree planting projects affect koalas like Winberry?
Winberry is very very strong, and has proven now, more than ever, that he’s a fighter. We now know that he will take full advantage of the new habitat that we’re planting to stay fit and healthy and enjoy his final senior years peacefully and comfortably.
