Wildlife keepers at Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda are hand-raising a tiny koala joey after its mother stopped lactating.

The 7 month old joey is fed 6 times a day on an artificial milk formula after staff noticed he was not being fed by his mother and was showing signs of being hungry.

Wildlife Supervisor Beau Peberdy said the joey was lucky that his mother had still produced and fed him “pap”.

“This is the substance koala joeys need to help line their stomach and assist in the digestion of gum leaves,” he said.

It is hoped the hand-rearing of the unnamed joey will allow it to grow and mature, so he may be photographed with visitors from around the world.

Rainforestation Nature Park has three unique attractions: Amphibious Army Duck Tours of the rainforest, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and the Koala & Wildlife Park. Rainforestation is situated on the Kennedy Highway, 5 minutes from Kuranda Village, and 30 minutes from Cairns.