Prince George Meets Bilby Namesake at Australia Zoo; Squeals in Delight at Rat-Like Creature (VIDEO)
Kate Middleton and Prince William introduced their son baby George to an eight-month-old bilby at an Australian Zoo on Easter Sunday.
The royals, who are nearing the end of their three-week Antipodean tour, watched as baby George squealed in delight while kicking his legs and wiggling his arms upon meeting the rat-like marsupial. The family spent Easter at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney on April 20 and the small Bilby (originally named Boy) was renamed after George a few months ago.
"He's trying to grab his ear," Middleton said before advising the zookeeper to place the creature out of her son's reach. "He's got quite a strong grab actually."
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George, who turns 9-months-old on Tuesday, looked adorable in royal blue shorts and a striped polo shirt. The family attended to open the official Prince George Bilby Exhibit.
"If he gets it, he'll never let go!" William said as George reached for the Bilby.
The royals were sure to meet other animals at the zoo including a koala bear and giraffes. After their tour they unveiled a plaque that read: "A national gift from the Commonwealth Government to commemorate the birth of His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge."
George was gifted with a stuffed bilby, but promptly threw it on the ground, which drew laughter from onlookers.
"He does love it honestly," William, 31, assured zoo staff.
He also received a yellow car sticker that read: "Wild child on board," and in true baby fashion he immediately began nibbling on it.
"Munch, munch, munch," William quipped.
On Wednesday, Middleton and William were greeted with a a line of waiting dignitaries, including the Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, upon arriving in Sydney. They officials completed their tour of New Zealand last week, which kicked off on April 7.
Upon wrapping up their royal tour, Middleton and William will have fulfilled a total of 48 engagements between New Zealand and Australia.
