portrait

Description:

One of Australia's iconic animals, this is the last of several species of koala. Recorded by westerners from the end of the 18th century, it got its scientific name in 1816 - refers to 'pouch' and 'bear'. The common name "koala" probably comes from an aboriginal name referred to as cullewine, koolewong, colo, colah, koolah, kaola and koala. Early settlers referred to koalas as sloths, monkeys, bears, and even monkey bears. Locals object to the use of the word 'bear'.