NEWBORN babies won’t be as curious as this little joey when they meet John Flynn Private Hospital’s new koala toy.

The special keepsakes are being given to all bubs born at the Tugun hospital in a new initiative recognising their partnership with the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation over the past five years.

media_camera John Flynn Hospital new born babies will receive a stuffed baby koala through an arrangement with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Pic by David Clark

Attached will be a little scroll with information on how parents can take part in the Walkways for Wildlife program, buying their baby’s or family’s name to put on to a paver for $60.

The paved walkway features outside the hospital and into Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Minimal care for any animal that gets treated at the hospital costs $60.

“That’s the bare minimum and it goes upwards from there, depending on the injuries or rehab the animal requires,” manager Katie Guerin said.

media_camera John Flynn Hospital new born babies will receive a stuffed baby koala.

“It’s all a free service so doing things like this with John Flynn is so important for support and awareness.”

The hospital treats 8000 animals a year, helped with equipment and supply donations from John Flynn.

media_camera One of the sanctuary’s koalas has a close encounter with one of the John Flynn Hospital toys.

John Flynn marketing assistant Jodie Fields said the toys would also be available to past patients to buy, with all funds raised going to Currumbin as well.

“The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion and John Flynn wanted to give a keepsake to mark such a special moment, while supporting such a wonderful cause close to us,” she said.