If you enjoy watching TV shows and reading books on koalas, seeing one of these cute critters in real life is probably on your bucket list. Not too long ago, cuddling a koala was an experience offered by many Australian zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Celebrities and tourists alike were snapped holding these adorable animals, but the trend is rapidly vanishing. In fact, it has even been banned in some states such as New South Wales and Victoria. Here’s why it’s no longer considered ethical to cuddle a koala.

Hidden stress

Koalas are naturally docile animals, which means they rarely become aggressive. This appearance of calm gives the impression that they are not experiencing any stress when sitting in a tourist’s arms, but this is not necessarily the case. Koalas are solitary creatures and would lead a quiet life in the wild, well away from other koalas - and certainly away from humans. Being in close proximity to crowds of people and hauled out of their trees every few minutes for forced interactions is very stressful for them, even if they don’t show it. This ‘silent stress’ has been shown by researchers to affect their welfare, making them less able to fight off diseases and infections, often leading to a shorter lifespan. 

Keeping them awake

As any cuddly koala book will tell you, koalas need to sleep for around 20 hours a day. In the wild, they are most active around dawn and dusk, or at night. This means that when humans want to hold and interact with them during daylight hours, we’re keeping them from much-needed rest. 

Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals and hard to digest. By waking them, or expecting them to remain awake for human contact, venues that offer koala cuddles are actually harming these shy animals by not giving them the time they need to rest and digest their food. 

Injury

Koalas may look cute and cuddly, but it’s worth remembering that those in captivity are still wild animals with natural instincts. Koala claws are strong and sharp, helping them to climb the eucalyptus trees they call home, and a scratch from these claws can cause injuries that can become infected. Worse still, koalas will bite humans if they feel threatened, inflicting wounds that require stitches and antibiotics.

How to ethically enjoy a moment with a koala

The best way to enjoy a moment with a koala is by visiting a not-for-profit conservation organisation or wildlife sanctuary. Choose somewhere that allows you to spot koalas living as they should be - alone in their own patch of eucalyptus trees at a safe distance from visitors. It’s important to respect koalas by staying quiet and not attempting to touch or interact with them. 

See The Koala Who Could

One place you can see a cuddly koala up close is in the stage production of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s The Koala Who Could. Ideal for children aged three and up, it’s a delightful show that tells the story with puppets, songs and dancing. Book your tickets today.