Koala Mini Tote Bag

The koala (*Phascolarctos cinereus*) is a small, herbivorous marsupial native to Australia, easily recognizable for its cuddly appearance, large round ears, and distinctive black nose. Koalas are tree-dwelling animals that primarily live in eucalyptus forests, as eucalyptus leaves make up the majority of their diet. Despite their cute appearance, koalas have a very low-energy lifestyle, spending up to 18-20 hours a day resting or sleeping. This is due to their nutrient-poor diet, which requires them to conserve energy. Koalas have specialized thumbs that help them grip tree branches, and their strong claws enable them to climb and navigate the tall eucalyptus trees. They have a thick, grayish coat of fur that helps them blend into their leafy environment. Koalas are solitary animals and tend to be most active during the night (nocturnal), though they are not particularly social. Koalas reproduce by giving birth to underdeveloped joeys, which then crawl into their mother's pouch for further development. After leaving the pouch, the young joey clings to the mother's back or belly until it is old enough to explore on its own. Koalas are considered an iconic symbol of Australian wildlife, though their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, disease, and climate change.