A koala is sometimes called a koala bear but is actually a marsupial.  Here are some fun facts about them:

• The koala is a sacred animal in the Dreamtime stories of the Yorta Yorta people, of north-eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales. One tale tells of a giant koala who, after a great flood, transformed into the first eucalyptus tree, providing shelter and sustenance to the animals.
  
• For many Aboriginal tribes, the koala is a totem animal, representing a connection to the land and the importance of caring for nature. As a totem, the koala is protected and honored, reflecting the deep respect these cultures have for nature.
• A Dreamtime story, “The koala who lost his tail” from the Gamilaraay people of New South Wales, told of a time where koalas once had tails. The story is about a koala who was very selfish with water, keeping it all to himself during a drought. To teach him a lesson, the other animals cut off his tail. This story teaches the importance of sharing and community.
  
• Koalas rely on their sense of smell to choose the best eucalyptus leaves. They use their noses to sniff out which leaves are safe and tasty and are able to avoid the ones that are toxic.
• Just like wombats and kangaroos, koalas carry their young in pouches, providing a safe and nurturing environment.
• The only thing koalas eat are eucalyptus leaves, which are harsh and sometimes poisonous to other animals.
• Eucalyptus leaves supply koalas with nearly all of the water they require.
• The term “koala” actually comes from an Aboriginal word that means “no water.”
• They have thick fur on their bottoms that acts like a cushion for when they sit in trees for hours and hours.
• Eucalyptus leaves don’t give them much energy, so they need to rest a lot and can sleep up to 18-22 hours a day. 
• Baby koalas are called joeys and are the size of a jellybean when they are born. They crawl into their mother’s pouch where they remain safe and protected as they grow.