1. Koala Means ‘No Drink’
The name "koala" is believed to come from the Dharug Aboriginal language, meaning ‘no drink’ or ‘no water.’ This makes sense since koalas rarely drink water in the wild, getting most of their hydration from the eucalyptus leaves they munch on. They’ll only drink water during extreme heat or drought conditions.
2. They’re Marsupials, Not Bears
Despite the common nickname "koala bear," koalas aren’t bears at all. They’re marsupials, and their closest living relatives are wombats.
3. Specialised Diet
Koalas have a highly specialised diet, feeding almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are toxic to most animals, but koalas have special liver enzymes and gut bacteria that allow them to detoxify and digest them. With their keen sense of smell, koalas can select the best leaves and even detect other koalas nearby. On average, they can chow down on up to a kilogram of eucalyptus leaves each day.
4. Born Tiny and Helpless
Baby koalas, called joeys, are born incredibly small—about the size of a peanut. At birth, they’re blind, hairless, and have no ears. Instinctively, joeys use their sense of smell and touch to climb into their mother’s pouch, where they stay for about six months. During this time, they feed on milk and later on "pap," a special substance in the mother’s poo that helps them develop the gut bacteria necessary for digesting eucalyptus leaves.
5. Solitary Lifestyle
Koalas are known for being solitary animals, each with its own home range composed of several trees, referred to as Home Trees. While generally territorial, koalas may tolerate others during the breeding season. Young koalas typically leave their mother’s home range to establish their own between the ages of one and three. In the wild, koalas can live up to 15 years.
6. Long Sleepers
Koalas are renowned for their lengthy naps, sleeping or resting up to 18-20 hours a day. This extensive rest period is essential for conserving energy, as their eucalyptus-based diet provides minimal nutritional value. It also helps them manage their energy needs in Australia’s often harsh and dry environment.
7.Unique Fingerprints
Koalas have fingerprints that are so similar to human fingerprints that they are nearly indistinguishable, even under a microscope. Additionally, koalas have two thumbs on each front paw, which help them grip and climb trees with ease.
8. Vulnerable and Threatened
Koalas are native to Australia, primarily found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands. Unfortunately, their habitat is increasingly under threat, leading to a decline in their numbers. Deforestation, habitat loss, disease, and climate change are significant threats to their survival. With the loss of their trees, koalas are spending more time on the ground, searching for food and shelter, which increases their vulnerability.
9. They Have Their Own Holiday
Wild Koala Day is celebrated annually on May 3rd, a day dedicated to raising awareness about koalas and the importance of protecting their habitats. Established by koala conservationists across Australia, this day encourages everyone to show their support by pinning a gum leaf to their shirt, sharing koala photos on social media, and promoting conservation efforts using the hashtag #WildKoalaDay.
At Be Marsupial, we’re committed to doing our part to protect these wonderful creatures. That’s why many of our products proudly feature koalas, and we’re dedicated to donating a portion of our proceeds to koala conservation efforts.
