Koalas are often referred to as ‘koala bears,’ leading many people to think they’re some sort of bear species. This is compounded by the fact that koala toys often make cute and cuddly teddies, which adds to the bear misconception. But the truth is that while koalas do have a bear-like appearance, they are marsupials and are therefore much more closely related to animals like kangaroos and wombats than to any bear. Surprised? Well, it’s all part of the learning process, so let’s delve deeper. 

The Difference Between Koalas and Bears 

There’s a very specific reason why koalas are not bears and this is due to the way they are born and develop. Bears are placental mammals. This means they develop inside the mother’s body and are nourished through a placenta before birth. Koalas, on the other hand, are marsupials. This means they give birth to underdeveloped young. The baby - known as joey - must find its way to its mother’s pouch after birth and continue to develop there. 

Koala joeys, for example, are only about the size of a jelly bean when they’re born. They’re also hairless, earless and completely blind. They climb immediately into their mother’s pouch where they stay for at least six months to continue growing. During this time, they attach to one of two teats inside the pouch and gain the nutrients they need. When they’re strong enough they then start to peek out of the pouch before riding on their mother’s back. 

Koalas also don’t have the biological features that define a bear, such as a placenta or the same skeletal structure. They are also native only to Australia too, whereas bears can be found in other continents such as North America, South America, Europe and Asia. 

Diet

Significantly, bears and koalas have a completely different diet. Whereas bears are omnivores - eating both plant and animal-based foods such as berries, nuts, insects and fish - koalas are herbivores. In fact, they are very fussy herbivores, living almost solely on eucalyptus leaves. While there are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees, they eat leaves from only about 30 to 50 types. Eucalyptus leaves give koalas all the nutrients and water they need. Koalas don’t even need to drink anything extra unless it’s particularly dry or  hot. 

While koalas can consume up to 500g of eucalyptus leaves every single day, bears eat significantly more - particularly pre-hibernation. In fact, during this period, bears can eat up to 40kg of food per day. Koalas don’t hibernate at all, since their habitat is in Australia, where it’s warm all year round. 

See The Koala Who Could

If you’re looking for things to do with kids this spring and summer, don’t miss the stage adaptation of The Koala Who Could story by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, which is currently touring in the UK. The show retells the story of Kevin the Koala, who enjoys a life of solitude in his tree. But when disaster strikes, Kevin is forced to step out of his comfort zone and embrace something new. Book your tickets today.