Koala pays a visit

While I was visiting the family farm over Easter we had a lovely surprise.  A koala walked in the front gate, selected a tree in the front yard, found a fork in a tree and sat there dining on lovely, fresh eucalyptus leaves.

(c) divacultura 2012

My dad had been looking out the window of his office and had seen the koala come in and climb the tree.  He called us outside and started looking up into the trees.  There were three trees to choose from and it took a long time for us to find the koala.  His grey fur hid him well amongst the green-grey of the gum trees.  Eventually we found him, balanced in the fork of two branches.  It is amazing to see a fur covered ball of muscle sitting somewhere impossible.

(c) divacultura 2012

Occasionally he would look down at us, but his concentration on selecting and eating leaves was intense.  

The farm is in an area near the "koala capital" of Australia so it's not unusual to see koalas, but it's still a very special experience.  And it's certainly much better than seeing a goanna as I did on my last visit .  

Koalas are under threat because of reduction in their habitat.  It is estimated that there are fewer than 100,000 left in the wild.  The Australian Koala Foundation is working to ensure this extraordinary animal does not become extinct. Their slogan is "No tree...no me."  

Mr Koala is always welcome to find a spot in our front yard.

(c) divacultura 2012

Well hidden.
(c) divacultura 2012