Top 8 Facts About Koalas

Koalas are arguably one of the cutest looking animals in the animal world, with their slow movements and sleepy nature making them seem even more adorable. Sleeping high up in eucalyptus trees for up to 22 hours a day, koalas aren’t spotted as much as other animals in the wild making them somewhat mysterious. So how much do you really know about the koala species? If the answer is ‘not a lot,’ here are eight interesting facts about this beautiful animal.

 

1. Koalas are native to Australia

Koalas are native to Australia and are typically found in Eastern and Southeastern Australia, particularly in coastal regions of the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Along with the kangaroo, koalas are part of Australia’s identity.

 

2. Koalas are endangered

While a koala story book such as The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright - which is now a successful theatre show - might tell delightful stories about this cuddly-looking animal, the real story is a bit different. Indeed, koalas are an endangered species due to factors such as deforestation. 

 

3. Koalas are arboreal animals

Koalas are what’s known as ‘arboreal’ animals. This means they like to spend most of their time high up dense, tall eucalyptus forests which provide both shelter and food. Being high up also protects them from predators. That said, the koala world isn’t completely safe as they still face threats from dingos, wild dogs, snakes, birds of prey and even humans, with the latter destroying the habitats koalas desperately need to survive.

 

4. Koalas are marsupials

Despite often being called a ‘koala bear,’ koalas are not bears. They are marsupials and are related to wombats and kangaroos - not bears. The ‘bear’ term is likely to have originated due to their cute cuddly looks.

 

5. Koalas have sharp claws

While not a particularly dangerous or threatening animal, koalas have strong, sharp claws that help them to climb trees and grip tight for long periods of time.

 

6. Koalas have a short gestation period

Believe it or not, koalas have a very short gestation period of around 35 days. After this, the female gives birth to a very small, underdeveloped joey. This little baby koala then crawls immediately into its mother’s pouch to continue developing. It stays in the pouch for approximately six months, before emerging but continues to nurse and stay with the mother for several more months.

 

7. Koalas are solitary animals

Koalas are solitary animals. This means they like to live alone and are not social. Each koala has its own territory which it marks through scent and vocalisations. Koalas also tend to have their own ‘home tree’ which they use for shelter, feeding and sleeping.

 

8. Koalas are fussy eaters

With koalas living in eucalyptus trees, it makes sense that they eat the leaves of this tree. But did you know that they are fussy eaters and will only consume leaves from specific eucalyptus trees, with favourites being the Eucalyptus Globulus, and the Eucalyptus Camaldulensis?

 

If you want to show koala lovers a good time, be sure to take your children to see The Koala Who Could, based on the award-winning book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. This story of discovering the excitement of trying new things is perfect for little ones aged three and above. Book your tickets today.