With their fluffy ears, round heads, and spoon-shaped noses, koalas captivate with their teddy bear-like appearance. However, these sleepy Australian tree dwellers are more than just cute faces. Contrary to popular belief, koalas are not bears but marsupials—a distinct group of mammals known for carrying undeveloped young in pouches.

Mother koalas have pouches that open downward, allowing their babies, or joeys, to drink milk and develop over six months. Unique among marsupials, koalas possess six opposable thumbs and have specialized hands and feet adapted for climbing and gripping branches. Their front paws have five digits with two opposing thumbs, while their back paws feature a large, clawless opposable digit for better grasping.

Koalas are also known for their unique diet. They consume eucalyptus leaves—high in fiber and toxic to most animals. With around 650 eucalyptus species in Australia, koalas are picky eaters, favoring only about 30 types. Their digestive system includes a specialized organ called a caecum to process these tough leaves.

Despite their fascinating adaptations, koalas face severe threats from habitat loss, droughts, and diseases. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and support their survival.