WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. — The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society will open its new Outback habitat to the public on Saturday, featuring the facility's first koala joey, born last fall. The renovated habitat simulates the Australian outback and includes more greenery, new perching for exercising, and solar tubes to bring in more natural light.

Koalas can move between their climate-controlled indoor exhibit and the expanded outdoor area. Zoo officials said the renovations are designed to help koalas express their natural behaviors, which include climbing and hopping between trees.

"This new habitat is a milestone for our koalas. The deliberate design supports the voluntary, cooperative care our zoologists and koalas have developed together," said Margo McKnight, the zoo's CEO and president.

The joey remains in its mother's pouch and has just recently started to become visible to zoo officials. Staff continue to monitor the mother, Ellin, weighing her and providing extra food as she cares for the joey.

"For the zoo and for us here, it's the very big deal. We are trying the best that we can to help with a lot of the genetic diversity within the population that we have here in the United States. So that's why it's important that we do have a joey and that we were successful this year," said Amarylis Celestina, who oversees carnivores and koalas at the zoo.

Koalas are an endangered species. The Australian federal government has loaned koalas to zoos in the U.S. to help with conservation practices. The animals are generally peaceful, have a calm nature, and enjoy a slow lifestyle, according to the zoo.