Koalas

Yanchep National Park to see Koalas

One of our stops between Perth and the Pinnacles was Yanchep National Park to see koalas. Koalas and kangaroos are Australian icons. Koalas, who look a little like teddy-bears, are not bears at all, but cuddly-looking marsupials.  Like kangaroos, koala young start their lives in their mothers’ pouches.

"Almost Endangered"

It’s ironic that the first koalas I see are on the west coast because their native habitat is eastern Australia.  Civilization has taken a toll on these animals: deforestation for roads, farms, and cities has reduced the koalas’ natural habitat. And the arrival of non-native predators like dogs and foxes (imported for the English hunt way back when) has caused further erosion in the koala population.    Although koalas are not an officially endangered species, there are now efforts underway to protect some of their remaining habitat.

Koalas--slow moving; iron grip

Only about twenty kinds of the many different eucalyptus trees (gum trees, to Australians) make a koala’s diet and that is all they eat. The gum tree leaf has a lot fiber, little protein, and an oil that is toxic to other animals. Koalas move slowly and sleep 22 hours a day, and their sleepy ways have led to a rumor that koalas are not only high up among the leaves, but also high on the leaves. My guide assures me that is false---it’s all about conserving the energy their bodies need for digesting those fibrous leaves.

Koala front paws have an iron grip for security high up in those trees.  That grip is also very effective for clinging to humans.  The guide peels koala paws from the tree to transfer him to me, where he just wraps himself around my neck.

I feel an affectionate urge to nurture him.  He’s so cute, he arouses all my maternal instincts.  I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him and name him George.  Maybe I’ll take him home. 

I must have a guilty ‘kidnap the koala’ look.  The guide quickly snaps a picture and rescues the marsupial from my arms.   I settle for the photograph and we’re off again.

For video and more information on koalas, check http://www.livesmartvideos.com/koalascreening/