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KOALA

Species: Phascolarctos cinereu

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DESCRIPTION

Koalas are iconic Australian marsupials, often confused with bears due to their appearance but they’re not bears at all? Koalas are actually marsupials, more closely related to kangaroos and wombats! Koalas have thick, soft fur that ranges from light to dark grey, with white patches on their chest, bottom, and ears and are known for their large black noses and small, expressive eyes. They have five digits on each hand — three function like fingers and two like oposible thumbs, perfect for gripping tree branches. Their feet are uniquely adapted for climbing, with two toes fused together and separate claws.

 

DIET

Koalas are herbivores with a highly specialized diet consisting almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves. They feed on leaves from certain species of eucalyptus trees, carefully selecting the most nutritious and least toxic ones. Koalas consume up to 500 grams of leaves daily, extracting both food and water from their diet.  Eucalyptus leaves are low in nutrients and high in toxins, but koalas have a unique digestive system with a long cecum and specialized bacteria to break them down.

 

CONSERVATION STATUS

The conservation status of koalas varies across their range in Australia. As of February 2022, the Australian government has listed koalas as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory due to significant population declines. These declines are primarily caused by habitat destruction, climate change, bushfires, vehicle collisions, dog attacks, and diseases like chlamydia. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their habitats and ensure the species' survival.

While you can't cuddle a Koala in NSW, at Featherdale Sydney you can get close to a Koala and possibly event pat one in our Koala Encounter.

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

KOALA

GROUP NAME

Colony

Native To

Australia

SIZE

60 to 85 cm

BABY NAME

Joey

Habitat

Koalas inhabit eucalyptus forests and woodlands in the eastern and southeastern regions of Australia. They are arboreal animals, meaning they live in trees, primarily in tall eucalyptus trees. Their habitat range includes coastal and inland areas, with koalas often found in regions with a high density of eucalyptus trees, which provide both food and shelter. Koalas prefer areas with plenty of tree cover to help them remain hidden from predators and to maintain a cool, shaded environment.

Did You Know?

Despite their small size, male koalas produce deep, resonant bellows during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territory. These calls can travel over long distances and are surprisingly loud, sounding more like a large animal than a cuddly marsupial. This unique vocalisation is made possible by an extra pair of vocal cords located outside their voice box, a rare feature among mammals.

Unique Fingerprints: Koalas are one of the few non-primates with fingerprints. Their fingerprints are so similar to humans that they can be mistaken for ours under a microscope!

Built-in Seat Cushion: Koalas have a thick pad of cartilage at the base of their spine, which acts like a built-in cushion, making it comfortable for them to sit on tree branches for long periods.

Eucalyptus-Scented: Koalas often smell like eucalyptus leaves, a result of their diet, which may help repel parasites and make them less appealing to predators.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

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EMU

Emus are the world’s second tallest bird, and third heaviest. They are a flightless species- however they do have small wings which they use to cool themselves.

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KOALA

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

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Echidna

Short-beaked Echidnas belong to a unique group of mammals called Monotremes. Apart from echidnas, the only other animal in the world that belongs to this group is the Platypus.

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WOODSWALLOW

Extremely social birds, woodswallows are uniquely known for perching closely together as a flock. This behaviour not only strengthens social bonds but also conserves energy and retains warmth through the night.

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Quokka

Often called “the happiest animal in the world”, Quokkas are a small marsupial related to Kangaroos

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Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

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Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies live in colonies of up to 100 individuals, consisting of smaller groups with a dominant male, females and sub-dominant males.

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Kangaroo Island Kangaroo

Like other Kangaroo species, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos live in mobs consisting of a dominant male, several adult females and subordinate males, and joeys.

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Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

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GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO

Glossy black cockatoos are among Australia’s rarest. When a chick emerges from its tree hollow, it’s a significant moment not just for the proud parents but for the entire species

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Cassowary

Southern Cassowaries are solitary birds, coming together only during breeding season from July-September

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Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

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Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburras are very territorial and sedentary, usually living in small family groups which co-operate in raising young and protecting territory

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Penguin

Little Penguins live in colonies that can have hundreds of members ashore at one time. From June-August, males will come ashore and renovate old burrows or dig new ones.

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SOUTHERN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBAT

Affectionately known as ‘bulldozers of the bush’, wombats create remarkably large burrow. These underground homes offer perfect protection from extreme climates and predators, ensuring their safety year-round.

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