Koala

Hello there. My name is Koala. I have soft, fuzzy ears that are perfect for listening and a big, black nose that is great for sniffing. I am a special animal that lives in a warm, sunny place called Australia. My home is way up high in the eucalyptus trees. I love living in the treetops where I can see everything below.

My favorite snack is the yummy leaves from the eucalyptus tree. Koalas primarily eat eucalyptus leaves but also consume leaves from other related tree species, including Allocasuarinas, Corymbias, and Melaleucas. These leaves are very tasty, but they also make me feel very sleepy. I love to nap. I can sleep for a very long time, sometimes up to 20 hours a day. When I sleep, I hug a big branch very tight so I don't fall. I am also a mommy. My baby is called a joey. To keep my joey safe, I have a special tummy pouch. My joey snuggles inside where it is warm and cozy. I carry my joey in my pouch for about six months; afterward, the joey rides on my back or clings to my belly.

I have a very special job in my forest home. By munching on all these leaves, I help keep the eucalyptus trees healthy. When the trees are healthy, it helps all the other animals that live in the forest, too. I am a proud and important part of my forest home, and I love helping my friends.