Koala Cuddlekins Cuddly Toy

Product Description

Measures 30cm Plush fake fur Stuffed toy Suitable for ages 3 years & up This cuddly Koala looks like he's about to jump into a nice Eucalyptus tree & start munching his favourite food. Covered in plush, thick grey fur, this Koala is so soft you won't want to stop hugging him. If you'll never get to Oz to see the real thing then we reckon this bonza little fella is the perfect replacement! What a wonderful gift to give someone... Physical Characteristics Though often called the "koala bear, this cuddly animal is not a bear at all; it is a marsupial, or pouched mammal. Koalas are found only in Australia. In the cold Southern parts, they have long, shaggy fur; in the Northern warmer parts, the fur is shorter. The koala has large round furred ears, a large dark soft leathery nose & beady eyes. The mouth appears small but can open quite wide. Koalas have two thumbs on their front paws & sharp curved claws on all the digits, which assist them in their extraordinary climbing ability. Average lifespan in the wild: 20 years

Size: 23.5 to 33.5 in (60 to 85 cm) Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg) Protection status: Threatened. Habitat Koalas are found only in Australia. Behaviour Koalas do not make a nest or seek any shelter. Koalas sleep during the day in eucalyptus trees. Breeding Koalas are usually solitary animals except in the breeding season. Koalas breed in summer, & the young (usually litters of just one) are born about a month after mating. The Koala offspring are known as 'joeys'. They are only 2 cm at birth & are born without fur
- they can't regulate their body temperature until they grow fur
- & with their eyes & ears shut. The Joey remains in its mother's pouch for at least seven months & after that rides on her back until ready to care for itself. Koalas take three or four years to mature. The Joeys are not capable of digesting Eucalyptus leaves initially & need to eat special micro-organisms found in the 'pap' or droppings from their mothers. Diet Koalas get the water content they need from the Eucalyptus leaves on which they feed. Aside from the Greater Glider & the Ringtail Possum, the Koala is the only other mammal with a digestive system that can feed solely on eucalyptus leaves
- incidentally, these leaves are highly poisonous if eaten by humans. There are about 600 varieties of eucalyptus trees. Koalas feed on only about 120 of these. Koalas feed mainly at night & can eat about 5 kilograms of leaves at a time. Strange & Interesting Facts The word Koala means 'no drink', & refers to the Koala's ability to go for days without water. It is an ancient aboriginal term. The fingerprints of Koalas are amazingly like those of human beings
- enough to cause confusion if compared.