I'd quite like one of these!

[Maz]

I didn't actually realise Koalas had pouches like Kangaroos!

 

[RainbowBrite]

Aww, I think all Marsupials have pouches.

 

[Maz]

If you watch the video, the baby comes out of the pouch And the Mother's ears are amazing! The claws look a bit dangerous though.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I did watch it. Such a cute baby.

 

[Steve]

Oh aren't they great, I want one too!
I have held them and they are lovely things, although surprisingly heavy. The claws are a bit dangerous but they tend to be very placid unless they feel threatened.

If you want to visit one without the 24 hour flight to Australia, they have a few at Longleat.

 

[Maz]

I just read that they had one born at Longleat

 

[Maz]

I've never been to Longleat - will have to add that to the list.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I've never been to Longleat - will have to add that to the list.

There used to be a nice programme about it on in the afternoon. Maybe you can find it online.

 

[Maz]

I've seen the odd video

 

[Frida]

Koalas are one of my favourite animals
I didn't know they had them at Longleat.
I have a fleece blanket with Koalas on draped over the sofa. Albert likes to snuggle up in it and have a sleep

 

[Maz]

I used to have a stuffed koala when younger.

 

[Frida]

I used to have a stuffed koala when younger.

I have a stuffed koala that sits on my bed called Bill. Albert likes to climb on him.

 

[Maz]

Mine got it's stuffing ripped out by a dog who decided to adopt it and take it to his bed

 

[Lovelyness]

Did you know you can get chlamydia from koalas ??!!??

 

[Maz]

Ugh! No I didn't know that. Assume zookeepers need to wash their hands then!

 

[Lovelyness]

Ugh! No I didn't know that. Assume zookeepers need to wash their hands then!

I guess so! I randomly remember that fact after Ant and Dec held koalas in Australia, and it got mentioned lol I think it was Ant and Dec anyway…could have been Westlife…

 

[Maz]

It seems the Chlamydia is quite a serious disease for the Koalas who apparently picked it up from other animal faeces - but they've started vaccinating them against it to help save them

Scientists Begin Vaccinating Wild Koalas Against Chlamydia

The effort is part of a field trial to limit the debilitating bacterial disease that can cause infertility, blindness and death

www.smithsonianmag.com

 

[Steve]

Yes it's been terrible for them, partly responsible for a massive decline in their numbers in Australia

 

[Maz]

Poor things. I'm glad someone is sorting it out.

 

[Frida]

Did you know you can get chlamydia from koalas ??!!??

Yes I did.