radioworldtoday
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have named
an eastern grey kangaroo joey at the Australia Zoo.
Cwtch, named after the Welsh word for ‘cuddle’, made her
Instagram debut on Robert Irwin’s Instagram account, and the
Australian conservationist and zookeeper revealed that he’d had a
bit of royal help in naming her.
“I absolutely love the name ‘Cwtch’,” Irwin said in a
statement. “It couldn’t be more perfect for this little
joey.”
In his Instagram video, Irwin
said “at this age, they love a cuddle and they spend most of
their time inside that pouch with their mum.”
Irwin is a long-time friend of Prince William and Catherine,
and has been a Global Ambassador for the Earthshot Prize for
several years. On the Earthshot Prize’s website, Irwin is quoted as saying,
“The Earthshot Prize is a beacon of hope for all of us who care
about the environment and about our ability to ensure a liveable
future for ourselves and future generations.
“Healthy oceans, ecosystems, and species equal a healthy
planet, and The Earthshot Prize recognizes the importance of
investing and helping grow solutions that protect these critical
resources.”
Irwin helped host activities for the 2024 Earthshot Prize in
Cape Town, but missed the 2025 edition in Brazil due to appearing
on Dancing with the Stars. Prince William video called him
during rehearsals for an episode which aired the same time as the
ceremony.
“We’re missing you, Robert. Whilst your twinkle toes are
going off elsewhere, I need you down here,” William joked
before wishing him luck. Irwin would go on to win with his
professional partner, Witney Carson, and William and Catherine
later commented on their Instagram post: “Congratulations
Robert and Witney!”
Cwtch is still
growing and gaining confidence, according to the Australia Zoo, but
will eventually become a regular presence for visitors as she
develops these skills.
“I am so thankful to have received special assistance from
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with the
naming,” Irwin said. “Cwtch is already stealing hearts,
and I hope she inspires people to fall in love with wildlife and
want to help protect it.”
