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is their sole food source, main fluid source, home and habitat; therefore, koalas can only survive where eucalyptus can be provided. Of the hundreds of species of eucalyptus, only a dozen or so are grown outside of Australia. California is one area eucalyptus do grow, and The San Diego Zoo in California has the largest koala bear population outside of Australia.

Though not endangered, koalas are a protected. This helps them to survive 12-15 years in the wild where they can eat, sleep, and reproduce. The gestation for the koalas is about 35 days, and newborns, usually one newborn per mating season, is called a "joey." At birth, the baby weighs about half an ounce and is about the size of a jelly bean. During the mating season, koalas become vocal, especially the males, with snores, bellows, and screams. It is believed the increased vocalization during this time may play a part in choosing a mate.

Koalas thrived for thousands of years in Australia, enjoying the open and un-urbanized land before ever being introduced to mankind. Today, they do share their habitat with us and allow us to fixate ourselves on their adorable looks and subtle dispositions. For this, we should continue be thankful and appreciative for this unique and intriguing animal Mother Nature has given us.

Sources:
Web:
www.worldwildli fe.org
www.sandiegozoo.org/anim albytes

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