| Among the various animals living in Australia, koalas | | | | have any relation at all. Since this particular breed of |
| are considered the most popular. They have lived | | | | mammal is classified as marsupials or the pouched |
| some 4 million years ago and continue to exist until | | | | animals, they are more closely related to the |
| today. However, their survival is threatened by | | | | wombats and kangaroos, although the resemblance is |
| increasing hunting and killing of European hunters | | | | not that close. |
| especially in the Southern part of Australia. That is | | | | But just like a typical teddy bear, koalas are nice to |
| why this group of marsupials or the pouched | | | | touch and cuddle. They have thick soft fur. Their size |
| mammals has been known to become extinct in the | | | | and profile make them cute and lovable. |
| western part of the country. | | | | 3. Sleepy-head |
| For so many years, koalas exist and survive in | | | | This group of marsupials can be classified as certified |
| Australia. This group of mammals is already | | | | sleepy-heads because nearly 75% of their day to |
| considered important part of the Aboriginal culture | | | | day existence is spent on sleeping. Most of the time, |
| and has been highlighted in various legends. | | | | you see them sleeping in daytime. They just start to |
| It is interesting to know that the Australian | | | | move around after sunset. |
| community has thought of preserving this particular | | | | 4. Sociable animal |
| breed of marsupials through the sanctuary. Here, you | | | | Koalas are known to be sociable. They tend to exist |
| can see live koalas that you can touch, cuddle, and | | | | with other koalas. That is why they need bigger |
| hand feed. By experiencing first hand encounter with | | | | areas of territories to accommodate a number of |
| these cute mammals, you will have better | | | | koala population. |
| understanding as to why they need to be protected | | | | You can even see koalas barking at other koalas. |
| and cared for. | | | | Maybe it is one of their ways in communicating and |
| To know more about koalas, here is a list of some | | | | socializing with the others. |
| of the remarkable facts: | | | | 5. Remarkable diet |
| 1. Scientific name | | | | Experts say that among the mammals particularly the |
| Koalas are considered a part of the Australian culture | | | | marsupials, koalas have remarkable diet. They can |
| and heritage. They have known to live in all parts of | | | | survive even with eucalyptus leaves alone. In fact, |
| Australia. The first person who was able to see and | | | | they don’t regularly drink water at all. That’s |
| actually illustrate a koala is John Price. He is also the | | | | because eucalyptus leaves have rich water content, |
| first Briton to discover other forms of mammals | | | | at least 50% of its structure. The average |
| existing in the country. It was in January 1798 when | | | | consumption of eucalyptus leaves is approximately |
| he was sent to discover the Nepean River. Price was | | | | 200 to 500 grams daily. |
| known to be a Governor Hunter’s servant. | | | | At some point, they also consume other types of |
| His accounts were not published until after 100 years | | | | leaves such as box leaves and mistletoe. |
| that his stories about his discovery have been made | | | | These are just some of the many lovable facts |
| known to the public. With this, koalas were given the | | | | about koalas. Knowing them will make you feel how |
| scientific name “phascolarctos cinerus” or the | | | | important it is to care for them and prevent their |
| “ash grey pouched bear.” | | | | extinction. Support a koala now. Try visiting |
| 2. It is not a bear | | | | sanctuaries in Australia and experience the ultimate |
| It is funny to note that despite of its resemblance to | | | | feeling of getting close to nature. |
| bear, koalas are not bears. In fact, they don’t | | | | |