“Koalas live over a range of open forest and woodland communities but ultimately their habitat is defined by the presence of a select group of food trees.” ∼ Department of Environment and Science Queensland
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Koala
Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus
Conservation Status: Endangered
Cuddle up to our adorable koalas and get the best selfie ever.
Every day at Symbio, you have the chance to meet our adorable koalas and even cuddle up to them for that iconic selfie you’ve always wanted.
Our cuddly friends at Symbio are considered to be the most famous in the world, with regular news and online stories circulating the world due to their amazing personalities and affection.
The Sanctuary where they live at Symbio is also regarded as the ‘best place in Sydney to cuddle up to koala’ and have your photo with them due to being so open planned and surrounded by lush gardens.
ABOUT
In the Wild
In the wild, Koalas can be found along mainland Australia’s Eastern and Southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
From the north populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than those found further south.
Mainly due to habitat loss, the population has seen a rapid decline over the years and there is believed to be less than 80,000 Koalas left in the wild today.
Easily recognisable by their stout, tailless body and large head with round, fluffy ears and large, spoon-shaped nose. They have a body length of 60–85 cm (24–33 in) and weighs 4–15 kg (9–33 lb). Fur colour ranges from silver grey to chocolate brown.
Breeding
Koalas are seasonal breeders. They begin breeding in Spring and will last up to six months.
After a gestation period of only 35 days, a Joey is born furless, blind and deaf.
They are just under 2cm in length and weigh under one gram.
After birth, they make their journey into mums pouch unaided and continue their growth, where it will feed off mum’s milk until its ready to begin emerging at 6-7 months.
DIET
The diet of a koala consists of Eucalyptus leaves from Eucalyptus tree species consistent with their distribution range. They can consume 400-700 grams of leaves on a daily basis.
Of the over 600 different species of Eucalypt found in Australia, it is estimated that these marsupials prefer to eat only 10% of them.
The low level of nutrients they receive from their diet means that Koalas must conserve their energy by sleeping to help digest the toxins found in these leaves. They will typically sleep for 18-22 hours every day.
Koala
Fun Facts
- These marsupials have three fingers and two thumbs, aiding them to maintain a stronger grip when climbing and reaching out for branches.
- The second and third fingers on the hind paw are fused together, forming a double claw. They use this for purposes such as grooming and removing ticks.
- They have similar fingerprints to humans.
- Koalas possess thick, woolly fur, which acts as a water-repelling raincoat and protects them from extremes of both high and low temperatures.
- The first scientific discovery of a Koala was just 20 minutes south of Symbio Wildlife Park at Hat Head, in the Illawarra Region.
- Despite common misconceptions of this animal they are not bears, in fact they are part of a family of animals called marsupials.
Book a Koala Encounter
Koalas are an iconic Australian marsupial, book an experience to learn more about how we can all ensure their survival!
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DISTRIBUTION
In the wild, Koalas can be found along mainland Australia’s eastern and southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Koalas from the northern populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than those found further south.
HABITAT
Koalas live in eucalypt woodlands and forests with their size range varying according to quality of habitat, ranging from less than two hectares to several hundred hectares.
