GIFT CARDS
BUY TICKETS

Koala

Phascolartctos cinereus

'}}
'}}
'}}

One of the most iconic animals known to Australia, Koalas are often mistakenly called the “Koala Bear”. Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears. They have 5 digits on each hand- 3 work like fingers, and 2 work like thumbs. Koalas also have no claw on their thumb toe, and two toes joined together with separate claws. Koalas have small eyes and a large black nose, and sleep for 18-20 hours a day, primarily waking in the night-time to eat, fight and mate. Males can weigh up to 14kgs, and females up to 10kgs. Koalas have a lifespan of 12-15 years in captivity, and 8-10 years in the wild.

Diet

Koalas feed exclusively on Eucalyptus leaves. They have specially designed gut flora that assists in safe digestion without being affected by the leaves’ toxins. Koalas rarely drink water, attaining their hydration through the Eucalyptus leaves. In times of drought or bushfire Koalas have been known to drink large amounts of water, even venturing into areas populated by humans for water sources.

Social organisation and Reproduction

Koalas are fairly solitary animals, but come together for breeding season. A group of koalas living in the same area can be considered a population, with older, stronger males being dominant or alpha-males. Fighting is common, especially between males protecting territory. Males will breed with several females in a breeding season. Females give birth to one jellybean-sized joey, occasionally two- however the occurrence of both surviving is extremely rare. Joeys will develop in the mother’s pouch for 7 months, venturing out when fully developed and riding on their mother’s chest or back. The joey will feed on the mother’s faeces (known as ‘pap’) for 6 weeks to develop the gut flora necessary for digestion. At 12-15 months of age, koala joeys will leave their mother in search of their own territory.

Why are they endangered?

  • Low genetic diversity
  • Inbreeding
  • Habitat destruction
  • Predation by feral cats, foxes and dogs
  • Road fatalities
  • Chlamydia

While you can't cuddle a Koala in NSW, at Featherdale Sydney you can get close to a Koala and possibly event pat one in our Koala Encounter.

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

Koala

GROUP NAME

Colony

Native To

SIZE

Males can weigh up to 14kgs, and females up to 10kgs

BABY NAME

Joey

Habitat

Habitat: Koalas inhabit Eucalypt forests along the east-coast of Australia. With continual logging occurring throughout their habitats, Koalas are quickly losing territory, shelter and food sources, resulting in displacement and high loss of life.

Did You Know?

Many people believe that Koalas are drunk or ‘high’. Eucalyptus leaves do not make them drunk or high, but instead provide a minimal amount of energy. Koalas therefore sleep for 18-20 hours per day to conserve their energy for the night-time.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

'}}

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

An alligator's tail is very powerful and can propel them through the water, but being solid muscle makes them heavy and slower on the land

'}}

RING-TAILED LEMUR

Ring Tiled Lemurs 'sun worship' which means they face their tummies to the sun and stretch their arms out wide to warm themselves up.

'}}

Lion

Lions can run at about 55km/h but their prey average around 80km/h, they must get as close as possible to their dinner without being seen

'}}

Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

'}}

Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

'}}

MEERKAT

The role of ‘sentry’ is crucial to a meerkat mob’s safety and security. Always vigilant, the sentry stands guard, scanning the surroundings for danger while the rest of the group foragers without fear of predators.

'}}

BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY

With long limbs and prehensile tails, spider monkeys are expert climbers. Watching them traverse great heights, swinging and leaping with effortless grace, their agility is undeniable.

'}}

Binturong

Binturongs, with their prehensile tails, dark fur, and mysterious demeanor, appear almost mythical, evoking a sense of enchantment and intrigue.

'}}

Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

'}}

DROMEDARY CAMEL

The Domedary Camel has a single hump, which stores fat the Camel can break down when resources are scarce.

'}}

Koala

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

'}}

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

Early in the morning the alligator moat may seem eerily empty, with only eyes and nostrils breaking the surface. Once the sun rises, the basking giants create an entirely different scene.

'}}

PLAINS ZEBRA

Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. See zebra herds in NSW at Mogo Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

'}}

Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

'}}

GIRAFFE

Gotti, our first giraffe calf born at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, is full of curiosity and confidence. Under his mother’s watchful eye, he loves to run and explore his habitat with boundless energy.

stay in touch with Your Australian wildlife parks family

Stay up-to-date and subscribe to our newsletters

Your information is only utilised by Australian Wildlife Parks. For more information see our privacy policy.

EVENTS
9AM – 4PM Daily, 9am - 1Pm Christmas day
Lomas Lane, Nulkaba (near Cessnock) nsw, Australia, 2325

Read our Ticket Terms and Conditions of Entry for all Australian Wildlife Parks here

Australian Wildlife Parks acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices and operations are located, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

© 2021-2024 Australian Wildlife Parks • Privacy Policy • Disclaimer

A PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE PARKS FAMILY