Koala kisses are nose touches between koalas. It seems to be a form of greeting. It is hardly ever seen in the wild. Koalas live most of their lives alone in a tree, and most of their communication is by voice.
Koalas are the size of a small child and they like to hug. They'll cling to you as though you are a tree. Even a short koala hugging encounter will be an experience you'll never forget.
Koalas eat a variety of eucalypt leaves and a few other related tree species, including lophostemon, melaleuca and corymbia species (such as brush box, paperbark and bloodwood trees).
Now, scientists have figured out why the iconic Australian marsupials hug trees: The trunks help the koala bears keep cool, according to a new study. "It can be a really useful way of getting rid of heat on a hot day," said study co-author Michael Kearney, an ecologist at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Koalas can live up to 15 years in the wild
Male koalas usually live up to 12 years, whereas females of this species can live for much longer, up to 15 years.
Studies have shown that koalas become stressed even in close proximity to humans, so forcing them into stressful interactions where they are hugged and used as photo props is completely unacceptable from an animal welfare perspective.
Experiencing emotions is unique to living creatures. From uplifting joy to something as complex as grief, it is something we all feel. And yes, animals too can feel these emotions. Koala mothers readily adopt orphaned joeys, and there's even documented stories of animals protecting humans.
Koalas feed primarily on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. One of the most important factors influencing the distribution and numbers of koalas in any area is the presence and density of their food tree species.
Only trained accredited rangers are allowed to hold a koala. This is a sensible law as it protects koalas from being stressed because a human wants to give it a hug. Koalas are wild animals and have a natural fear of humans, especially humans who they don't know.
Koalas can pant like a dog or lick themselves to keep cool, but that can dehydrate the animals quickly, said Natalie Briscoe from the University of Melbourne. Trees not only provide shade, but keep a cooler temperature, even during extreme heat.
The wombat is a close relative to the koala so "it's not all that surprising that the two have become close friends," Australian Reptile Park director Liz Gabriel told Insider.
The bellows, which sound like a deep gurgling purr or a forced snore, are extremely important for male koalas. Competition to mate is fierce: The dominant male in the colony mates with all the females, leaving any other males waiting.
It's not just dogs who love a good scratch on the belly, you know. Koalas can also be quite partial to it, when it comes from a close friend. One koala in particular seems fond of tummy rubs, and that koala is the adorably-named Wolverine.
Are koalas friendly? Despite their cute and cuddly-seeming exterior, koalas are wild animals that can become aggressive and injure you. Like all wild animals, they shouldn't be approached unless they're injured, sitting or lying on the ground for an extended period of time and in need of help.
Not only did the researchers discover that koalas are cleverer than first thought, but that these experimental structures are working to keep them safe.
No, it is not permitted anywhere in the world. It is illegal to have a Koala as a pet anywhere, even in Australia.
You must stand like a tree, arms out, and no grabbing hold of the animal. The koala will be placed on you, and your arms are gently positioned so it is comfortable for the koala, not necessarily you. No squeezing, tickling, or cuddling of any kind is allowed.
Despite their cute appearance, koalas are wild animals and can be dangerous when approached or if you try to catch or handle one.
Seeing ourselves in koalas
And the koala, with its human baby-like qualities can be readily anthropomorphised. Indeed, koalas exhibit “neoteny”, whereby mature animals retain juvenile physical features. This has been shown to trigger positive emotional responses from human adults.
Yes, koalas eat eucalyptus leaves (see the Resources Page for lists), but KoalaTracker members are observing koalas eating a far broader diet, including the leaves of camphor laurel, macadamia and olive trees, bark, flowers, termites and apples.
Do Koalas eat anything other than eucalyptus? V: Eucalyptus leaves are the main source of a koala's diet, and its digestive system has uniquely adapted to break down the harsh leaves.
All Koalas share one common call which is elicited by fear. It is a cry like a baby screaming and is made by animals under stress. It is often accompanied by shaking.
Sometimes though, koalas get angry, really angry. Before we get to that though, let's take a look at a couple of koalas who, rather than being really angry, are just having a bit of a tiff. Here's where you can make sense of the earlier conversation…
Flat demeanour was noted when a rescued koala was found in a state of not exhibiting normal behaviours, seemed slow and depressed or was not responding to an external stimulus appropriately.