Other than the kangaroo, the koala bear is also synonymous with Australia. However, contrary to its name, the koala bear is not a bear but a marsupial. In fact, Australia is home to most marsupials in the world, including the kangaroo.

The tree-dwelling koala seldom comes down to the ground. As a result, the koala’s diet is very limited and consists only of shoots and leaves of a few species of the eucalyptus tree and adults will consume just over one kg of leaves a day.

Koalas, like most marsupials, possess a pouch and a new-born koala remains in the pouch for five to six months. When it comes out of the pouch, it rides on its mother’s back till it attains adulthood.

It’s quite a cute and cuddly creature, but it’s not advisable to handle them, especially the wild ones, as they can transmit diseases to humans.