KOALA

The first recorded encounter between Europeans and a koala was in 1798, when explorer John Price documented the animal near the Nepean River in New South Wales, Australia. He described it as a "sloth-like animal" — clearly not yet aware of just how iconic this little creature would become! They sleep up to 22 hours a day and eat what would kill most animals - eucalyptus leaves are poisonous to almost every other creature. Koalas have a uniquely long digestive system with a specialised microbiome that neutralises the toxins. Unique among marsupials, Koalas have two opposable thumbs on each front paw — giving them an extraordinary grip for climbing that no other animal quite matches. 🐨