Our koalas need you. We need you!
As a not-for-profit registered charity, Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) operates on the currency of kindness. We’re not government-funded, so we rely on the generosity of wonderful people… like you!
For over 50 years we’ve been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wild koalas. As the threats to these precious marsupials have grown, our work has expanded to include habitat conservation, wild koala breeding, research, training, and advocacy. But…. time is running out for our Koalas, and we need all the help we can get to help save them.
Koala Conservation Australia Limited is a registered charity, and donations within Australia are tax-deductible.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Your Donation’s Reach
Habitat Restoration
Medical Care
Conservation Breeding & Research
Education Outreach
Volunteer Training
Emergency Response
Our Impact
250
Koalas cared for annually
14k
Trees Planted
200+
Dedicated Volunteers
5k+
Koalas Rehabilitated
Koala Facts
FAQ’s
Are koalas endangered?
Koalas are found from north Queensland down into NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia. There are also a number of translocated populations on islands such as Kangaroo, St Bees, Raymond, Snake and Phillip Island. In 2022, the koala was officially listed as an endangered species. Severe droughts that occurred prior to 2019, followed by the 2019/2020 bushfires have had a major impact on the already declining koala populations. Until rigorous scientific survey work of how many koalas are left is completed, how many remain is still really unknown.
Are 'Koala Bears' actually bears at all?
No! Koalas aren't bears, so the term 'koala bear' is incorrect! It's likely popular as koalas can look like small fluffy teddy bears, even though they're not bears at all, they're tree-dwelling marsupials!
At what age do joeys emerge from their mother’s pouch?
Most joeys emerge from the pouch at around 5-6 months, they usually weigh anywhere from 450 grams upward (depending on where they come from). These young emergent joeys sit hugging their mothers bellies or clinging to her back. Eventually they become fully back young, until they are too heavy to be carried. The joeys will continue to feed from the mother and are weaned by 12 months of age.
At what age do koalas become sexually active?
The female reaches sexual maturity at the end of her second year or later and physical maturity at the end of her fourth year. Males – about 3 years sexual maturity and reach physical maturity at 4 years. It is not unusual for this to occur at a younger age as well.
Do koalas get drunk on eucalypt leaves?
The eucalypt leaf is very low in viable nutrients and koalas have a slightly lower body temperature and consequently a lower metabolic rate than most other mammals, to reduce the amount of energy expended per day. By sleeping 18-20 hours they conserve energy and their waking hours are used to feed, move and seek out mates during the breeding season. They do not get drunk on eucalypt leaves.
What do koalas eat?
Koalas eat a number of species of eucalypt gum leaves plus the flowers, buds, stems and bark. Koalas will also eat Allocasuarinas, Corymbias and Melaleucas so their diet is quite varied.
What noise does a koala make?
Both male and female koalas can make a distinct bellow. Head to our Resources/About Koalas section to take a listen!
How can you tell the age of a koala?
Age is mostly determined by tooth wear on the pre-molar and molar teeth (top jaw). Also skull length and crown to rump length in relation to their weight helps to determine whether they are sub-adult (not sexually active) or adult.