Prince George, Charlotte, Louis Help Name New Kangaroo Cwtch

A new joey at Australia Zoo has been named Cwtch, with help from Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This follows Robert Irwin's work with Prince William's Earthshot Prize.
By Newsroom | Animals, Royalty |

Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, has revealed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were instrumental in naming a new addition to the Australia Zoo family. The joey, an eastern grey kangaroo, has been christened Cwtch.

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The name, pronounced 'kutch', is a Welsh word meaning 'cuddle'. Irwin explained that this choice was "absolutely perfect" for a young kangaroo, as they are known to enjoy cuddling and spending significant time within their mother's pouch at this stage of development.

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Irwin, who manages the Queensland-based zoo and also serves as an ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, expressed his gratitude to the young royals for their contribution. This naming initiative highlights a growing connection between the Irwin family and the British royal family, particularly through shared interests in environmental conservation.

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Australia Zoo joey named by royals - 3

Royal Endeavors and Wildlife Conservation

The involvement of the Wales children in naming the joey signifies a subtle expansion of their public-facing activities. While their official engagements are typically limited, this interaction appears to be framed as a more informal and perhaps enjoyable aspect of public life.

Robert Irwin's role extends beyond managing Australia Zoo. His work aligns with Prince William's environmental initiatives, fostering a rapport between the two. Their collaboration is evident in various projects focused on nature protection and restoration. Irwin has publicly acknowledged this connection, even receiving a congratulatory message from Prince William after winning a season of 'Dancing With The Stars'.

The naming of Cwtch also carries a conservation message. Australia Zoo encourages visitors to support their efforts in protecting native Australian wildlife and their habitats. Eastern grey kangaroos, as a species, play a role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems, supporting a wider array of plants and animals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the new kangaroo joey at Australia Zoo named Cwtch?
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis helped choose the name Cwtch, which is a Welsh word for 'cuddle'. Robert Irwin felt it was a perfect fit for a young kangaroo.
Q: Who is Robert Irwin and what is his connection to the Royal Family?
Robert Irwin, son of Steve Irwin, manages Australia Zoo and is an ambassador for Prince William's Earthshot Prize. He has a growing connection with the British Royal Family through conservation work.
Q: What does the name Cwtch mean?
Cwtch is a Welsh word that means 'cuddle'. The name was chosen because young kangaroos often cuddle close to their mothers and stay in the pouch.
Q: How does this naming event connect to conservation?
The naming highlights the connection between the Irwin family and the Royal Family through their shared interest in environmental conservation. Australia Zoo also uses this to encourage support for native wildlife protection.