BACK TO NATURE - A Birthday Milestone

Australia Zoo is celebrating a special conservation milestone with the 20th birthday of Sapphire, its oldest eastern grey kangaroo and one of the zoo's longest-standing animal ambassadors.

Born at Australia Zoo in 2006, Sapphire has become one of the zoo's most beloved residents. Affectionately known as "Queen Sapphire" by her keepers, she has spent two decades charming guests with her gentle nature in the kangaroo habitat, where she enjoys relaxing, grazing and socialising with visitors from around the world.

Curator of Australasia at Australia Zoo, Toby Millyard, said Sapphire's milestone is a testament to the exceptional care she has received throughout her life.

"It is an incredible accomplishment for a kangaroo to reach 20 years old. In the wild, eastern grey kangaroos typically live between 10 to 15 years," Toby said.

"Sapphire has been an ambassador for her species for so many years. Thousands of guests have met her throughout her lifetime, and every interaction helps people develop a deeper appreciation for Australia's incredible native wildlife."

Eastern grey kangaroos are a treasured native marsupial species that face increasing pressures from habitat loss, vehicle strikes and commercial harvesting across parts of Australia. As human development continues to impact their natural environment, conservation efforts that support their wellbeing and help protect them from these threats are increasingly important.

Every year, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and Rescue Unit treat injured, orphaned and displaced macropods requiring urgent veterinary care. Caring for kangaroos presents unique challenges, as they are highly susceptible to stress myopathy, a severe and often fatal metabolic condition that can be triggered by stress, fear or physical exhaustion. Their treatment requires specialised veterinary expertise, experienced wildlife carers and carefully managed rehabilitation.

"Not every kangaroo has the opportunity to receive the level of care Sapphire has experienced. Through the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, our Rescue Unit and the support of Wildlife Warriors, we are able to give thousands of injured native animals a second chance," Toby said.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treats more than 8,000 sick, injured and orphaned native animals every year. From orphaned joeys rescued after vehicle strikes to adult kangaroos recovering from injuries, every patient receives expert care with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation and release.

As part of the Australia Zoo family, Sapphire continues to play an important role in inspiring guests to protect Australia's unique wildlife and the habitats they call home.

To find out about Wildlife Warriors, visit wildlifewarriors.org.au.