Home Learn Animal Facts Koala

Koala

  • Length Up to 85cm
  • Weight Up to 15kg
  • Class Mammal
  • Gestation Approx 35 days
  • # of Young 1
  • Diet 500g-1kg of Eucalyptus leaves per day!
  • Status Endangered
  • Features & Adaptations
  • Habitat & Environment
  • Diet
  • Lessen The Threat

The Iconic Koala

Koalas are one of Australia’s most iconic native species, but they're facing serious threats to their survival. In Queensland, Koalas are officially listed as endangered. Their numbers have declined rapidly due to the combination of habitat destruction, urban expansion, disease and attacks from domestic pets.

At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, we're actively involved in vital conservation efforts. Every Koala ambassador we care for brings us one step closer to securing a future for this treasured Australian species.

See The Koalas
Koala sitting upright in tree, holding onto smaller tree branch

Koala Facts

  • Common Names

    Koala

  • Scientific Names

    Phascolarctos cinereus

  • First Nations Name

    Borobi

  • Family

    Phascolarctidae

Do You Know?

Koalas can eat up to 1kg of Eucalyptus every day! That's a lot of leaves!

A koala clings to a tree branch with its eyes closed, surrounded by green foliage in the background.

Koala Features & Adaptations

Although they look a little like bears, Koalas are NOT bears. They are known for their furry ears and black nose, and are usually grey in colour, with white fur on their chest.

Two koalas sit on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves, facing each other closely as if about to touch noses.

Koala Habitat & Environment

Koalas live in forests and bushland in Eastern and South Eastern Australia. Of course, close to Eucalyptus trees!

Koala Distribution

Map of Australia divided into its six states and two mainland territories, with different colors outlining each state and territory.

Koalas are native to Australia.

Koala sitting in tree looking at camera eating a leaf

Koala's Diet

Koalas only eat Eucalyptus leaves! Up to 1kg per day.

A baby koala clings to an adult koala sitting in a tree, surrounded by green leaves and branches.

Life Cycle of Koalas

Once conceived, a Koala joey is born after just 35 days! The tiny little jelly bean joey will then stay in its mother's pouch until it's big enough to take on the world itself, usually around 22 weeks.

From around 1 year old, Koalas will leave their mother's side and start their own journey in the wild. Koalas live up to 12 years.

A koala sits on the branch of a tree, surrounded by green leaves, looking directly toward the camera.

Threats to Koalas

Disease is the biggest threat to our Australian Koala populations.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is leading the way in Koala Chlamydia Vaccine research. 60% of all Koalas admitted to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are infected with chlamydia.

Ways to lessen the threat to Koalas

  • Drive slow in areas known for Koalas
  • Make your backyard Koala friendly
  • Donate to Koala conservation programs
  • Plant more trees

Gallery

A koala sits in a tree, holding onto a branch with one paw, surrounded by green eucalyptus leaves.

Visit Koalas at the Sanctuary

This Way