The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Eucalyptus loud enough to clear a room, menthol sharp enough to put off half the people who sprayed it. The original Koala made its presence known. George Tedder reimagined the concept from the ground up, approaching the brief with fresh eyes. The result is the Joey Edition, a fragrance inspired by the nature of young koalas exploring their surroundings. The fragrance follows that spirit of discovery. Crisp, curious, and finally, an iteration that reaches toward something new. The composition carries the same bold character that defines the line while opening itself to a wider range of wearers who might have found the original overwhelming.
The galbanum plays a key role in this edition. That intensely bitter green note acts as a bridge between the eucalyptus brightness and the warm animalic base, it doesn't let the cool opening drift into medicinal territory. Tedder paired it with mimosa's powdery softness and animalic musk, adding depth and complexity to the composition. The result is eucalyptus with an evolving character, where each layer of green builds upon the last without ever tipping into harshness.
The evolution
Eucalyptus arrives bright and camphorated, commanding attention immediately. Grapefruit cuts through with citrus sparkle. Basil and clary sage add herbal weight beneath the lift, creating a sensation of cool morning air through foliage. As the fragrance develops, mint and galbanum make their presence known. The eucalyptus doesn't disappear, it deepens and shifts, taking on new dimensions as the other notes emerge. Geranium adds a leafy rose undertone. Mimosa provides a soft, powdery element to the composition, lending an unexpected gentleness to the heart. The whole composition turns more textured, more interesting. The animalic musk surfaces, warm and present but not aggressive. Sandalwood follows, creamy and slightly camphorated, supporting the base.
Cultural impact
The original Koala made its presence known. For some, it was too much: an eucalyptus statement loud enough to clear a room. The Joey Edition offers a different expression of the same core idea. It invites engagement rather than demanding it, creating a dialogue between wearer and fragrance that feels more approachable while maintaining the bold character that defines the line. Those who appreciate the original's audacious nature will find kindred spirit here, while newcomers may discover an entry point into this particular corner of niche perfumery that feels less intimidating.
The House
Zoologist PerfumesZoologist Perfumes is a Canadian niche fragrance house based in Toronto. The brand creates artistic perfumes named after animals, translating the idiosyncrasies of the animal kingdom into scent compositions. Founded by video game designer Victor Wong in 2013, the collection includes unusual and conceptual fragrances that range from the sweet (Hummingbird, Bee) to the animalic (Civet) to the marine (Squid). Each fragrance represents a collaboration between Wong and independent perfumers who bring their own creative vision to the animal-inspired concepts. The brand has released over 20 perfumes since its founding, with notable releases including Harvest Mouse (2023), King Cobra (2024), and Rabbit (2024). Zoologist's ethical stance is central to its identity: all products use synthetic musks rather than animal-derived ingredients.
The Creator
George TedderTedder's style resists easy categorization, which is precisely the point. His home care work demands crispness, clarity, and robustness.
