Koalas are beautiful marsupial mammals and are native to Australia. The koala is scientifically known as Phascolarctos cinereus, and is a thickset arboreal marsupial herbivore. Koalas are found along the east coast of Australia from Adelaide to the Cape York Peninsula, and as far inland as there is enough rainfall to support forests.

The koalas in South Australia were largely exterminated during the early 20th century, but the state has since been repopulated with Victorian stock. Koalas do not live in Tasmania or Western Australia.

Stuffed animal koalas are very popular, especially Webkinz Koalas. If you ask many elementary age children what their favorite animals are, many kids will include the koala near the top of the list. Other favorite animals often include spider monkeys and albatross.

We just visited the Miami MetroZoo and got to see their koala. She is beautiful! Here is a picture taken on January 8, 2009 of the koala at the zoo. The koala's name is Danda-Loo. She is a Queensland Koala and was born on October 16, 1995.

Danda-Loo was sleeping when we first walked up to her glassed in area, but she lifted her head after a few minutes. She was just in time for some sharp pictures. It was hard to believe we weren't looking at just a stuffed animal koala since she looked so perfect.

If you've never seen a living koala, it is worth the time and effort to go find one! You'll be glad you did. We look forward to visiting more zoos that have koalas, in addition to going to the koala homeland - Australia!