Koalas are marsupials (carry their babies called Joeys in their pouches) that are native of Australia. They are found primarily in the southern and eastern coastal regions of the island. The cute and cuddly Koala is not actually a bear, but look like bears and are herbivores.
Koalas have soft, fur that is gray above and white below. Their fur is mainly white on the underside beneath the neck, and their ears have lengthy white hairs on the tips. Koalas are small, round animals that stand only about 2 feet tall and typically weigh around 30 pounds.
The Koala can live as long as 17 years and they eat eucalyptus leaves and bark from 12 different types of eucalyptus tree species. They also have been known to eat other plants such as mistletoe and box leaves. Koalas are nocturnal mammals (they sleep during the day and are awake at night), and sleep for up to 16 hours a day. They are arboreal animals, which means that they live in trees. The Koala has been a native of Australia for many years, but the population has dwindled in recent years and they are an endangered species and the Australian government has enacted laws protecting the Koala.
To get to know the Koala better, here are some fun facts about the species:
- The koala cub stays in the mother's pouch for 5 months and is blind at birth.
- The population of Australian koalas has dropped by 90% in less than a decade.
- After leaving the pouch the young Joey then clings to its mother's back or stomach, sticking its head into the pouch to feed.
- The Koala is the 'spokes animal' for Qantas Airlines in Australia in a long running advertising campaign.
- The Koala was used as a mascot for the Sydney Summer Olympics in 2000.
- The Koala is one of the gentlest creatures in Australia sleeping most of the day, living in trees and eating plants. Many resources are available to learn more about this fascinating Australian mammal:
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