If you’re a fan of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s koala bedtime story, The Koala Who Could, you’ll know that koalas are solitary animals that spend most of their lives high up in the branches of their favourite eucalyptus trees. These adorable creatures are among the animal group known as marsupials, which means the way they are born and grow is very different to mammals such as cats or dogs. Let’s take a look at some facts about koala pregnancy and birth. 
 

1. Koalas breed in summer

The koala breeding season is typically between August and February, which is the spring and summer in Australia. This is the best time to spot wild koalas, as they are moving about more and trying to find mates. 

2. Koalas usually have one baby

Koala mums usually have one baby - called a joey - at a time, giving birth every one to three years. Twins are rare, but do happen in the wild. The first koala twins born in captivity arrived in April 1999 and were named Euca and Lyptus. 

3. Koalas have a short gestation

Koalas have a short gestation period - the time the baby is growing in the uterus - compared to most mammals. Female koalas are only pregnant for 34 to 36 days on average. That’s because when the joey is born, it makes its way to its mum’s specialised pouch to finish developing.  
 

4. Koala mums don’t clean their pouch

Unlike in other marsupials, koala pouches are backward-facing, so they can’t be cleaned by the animal. Instead, mums have an ingenious self-cleaning system which is activated just before they give birth. Little drops of an anti-microbial liquid are produced, cleaning the pouch ready for the new joey’s arrival. 

5. Joeys are tiny when born

When the joey is born, it is only about 2cm long and weighs around 1g. Completely blind, it has to find its way from the birth canal to the pouch, using only its strong senses of smell and touch, and an innate sense of direction. 
 

6. Milk-producing mums eat more

Just like human mothers, koala mums need to eat more when they are producing milk for their babies. It’s estimated that a koala mum eats 36% more food while her joey is nursing, compared to when it moves to solid food. 
 

7. Koalas sometimes adopt

Koalas have been observed looking after rejected, orphaned or lost joeys. It’s very uncommon, but sometimes a female will take on a parent-less baby and provide it with the same care that she shows to her own babies. 

See The Koala Who Could on stage

If you love the koala bear book, The Koala Who Could, you’ll love the stage show, which is touring the UK from February to April. Join Kevin the koala bear as he learns to embrace change with the help of his animal friends. At 55 minutes long with no interval, the show is perfect for kids aged three and up, telling the story with songs, dancing and interactive moments. Book your tickets today.