About the Koala

Koalas are arboreal marsupial mammals native to Australia. Despite their bear-like appearance, they are not bears but are more closely related to wombats. Koalas are specialized feeders, with a diet consisting almost entirely of eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals. They have a specialized digestive system that detoxifies the eucalyptus oils. Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day, conserving energy to digest their low-nutrient diet. They have a distinctive nose with a leathery feel and no fur, which helps them assess the moisture content and toxicity of leaves. Koalas are mostly solitary animals and communicate through a range of vocalizations, particularly during mating season.