Animals

Australia Zoo’s ‘Queen Sapphire’ celebrates her 20th birthday

Good News Post

Aug 15, 2026 — 2 min read

Robert Irwin with Sapphire, Australia Zoo's oldest eastern kangaroo - image supplied Australia Zoo

By Animals Correspondent

One of Australia Zoo’s most familiar faces is celebrating a big birthday.

Sapphire, the zoo’s oldest eastern grey kangaroo, has turned 20, making her one of its longest-standing animal residents.

Born at Australia Zoo in 2006, Sapphire has spent her life at the Queensland attraction and is affectionately known as “Queen Sapphire” by her keepers.

She spends her days relaxing, grazing and socialising in the kangaroo habitat, where she has met thousands of visitors over the years.

Toby Millyard, Curator of Australasia at Australia Zoo, said reaching 20 was a significant milestone for an eastern grey kangaroo.

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

He said Sapphire had helped visitors develop a greater appreciation for Australia's native wildlife.

*Robert Irwin with Sapphire, Australia Zoo's oldest eastern kangaroo - image supplied Australia Zoo*

Eastern grey kangaroos face threats including habitat loss, vehicle strikes and commercial harvesting in parts of Australia.

Australia Zoo's Wildlife Hospital and Rescue Unit also care for thousands of injured, orphaned and displaced native animals each year, including kangaroos.

The Wildlife Hospital treats more than 8,000 sick, injured and orphaned native animals annually, with the aim of rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild where possible.

*Sapphire the kangaroo turns 20 - Image supplied Australia Zoo*

Kangaroos can be particularly challenging to treat because they are vulnerable to stress myopathy, a potentially fatal condition triggered by stress, fear or exhaustion.

“Not every kangaroo has the opportunity to receive the level of care Sapphire has experienced,” said Millyard.

“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.”

Now 20, Sapphire continues to have a role at Australia Zoo as an ambassador for her species – giving visitors the chance to get close to one of Australia's best-known native animals and learn more about protecting them.

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

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