When observing koalas in the wild or at a zoo, you might not be able to instantly tell which animals are male and which are female. While they both look extremely cute, mummy and daddy koalas actually have quite a few differences that aren’t widely known. Let’s find out more.

Differences in Appearance 

Mummy koalas tend to be smaller and lighter than daddy koalas who are larger and more muscular. While females weigh around 5-7 kilograms, males weigh around 8-14 kilograms. Daddy koalas specifically have a larger head and a broader chest with a noticeable brown patch on it. This is a scent gland that is used to mark trees and attract females. Mummy koalas, on the other hand, have a pouch which is where they keep their joeys (babies).

Vocalisations

Koalas make a unique sound called a bellow. Mummy koalas will bellow to let daddy koalas know that they are ready to breed, while daddy koalas bellow to attract mummy koalas. The difference between the two comes in the frequency and intensity of the bellowing. Male koalas do it more often, and research shows that females can tell which males are larger by the sounds they make. 

Differences in Raising Joeys 

A koala mummy’s pouch and her ability to keep a joey safe is very different from the daddy koala who plays no role in parenting. When a joey is born, it climbs into its mother’s pouch and stays there for around six months drinking mum’s milk. 

When the joey is between five and seven months old, the mother produces a special soft substance known as ‘pap’, which helps prepare the joey’s gut for digesting eucalyptus leaves. A daddy koala does not have this ability and cannot feed a joey. At six months old, the joey emerges from the pouch and will typically climb onto its mother’s back. Joeys will stay with their mums for about a year before starting a life of solitude. 

Differences in Nature and Temperament 

Mummy koalas are gentle and nurturing, looking after their joeys for a year and providing them with everything they need to thrive. Daddy koalas, on the other hand, are more territorial and vocal. Mummies tend to be slightly shier too, especially when it comes to interactions with humans. 

Discover The Koala Who Could

As you can see there are quite a few differences between mummy and daddy koalas, even though they may not be immediately apparent. If you love koalas, why not get tickets to see The Koala Who Could at a theatre near you? This delightful koala bear story by Rachel Bright and Jim Field has been adapted for the stage, using stunning puppetry, songs and dancing to tell the tale of Kevin the Koala and how he learns to embrace new things. 

Bringing the bestselling koala picture book to life, this fun and family-friendly koala show is suitable for kids aged three and up.