As I peered into the dozen or so koala bedrooms in awe, we learned about the adaptations that these creatures have to make them stand out from others. They are the only animals that feed on eucalyptus, as it is a toxic plant. They are able to do this thanks to a species of bacteria that lives in their gut. They have learned to pass these bacteria onto their young by feeding their babies their own fecal material. Koalas also have a highly adapted skeletal structure that is perfect for sitting up in trees for prolonged periods of time. Their spine is slightly curved, allowing them to sit comfortably, and their feet are a bizarre yet effective means of gripping onto branches. Their front feet have two thumbs and their back feet have two fingers that have fused together! Whoever would have guessed that these adorable animals would have such freakish feet!   

The koala is not the only animal with such quirky traits. Each animal species has their own special set of traits, even if they do not seem obvious at first. Thinking about this has made me realize the true importance of conservation even more. Luckily, the zoo has many programs to protect and preserve species. The koalas, for example, are on a very tight program to allow them to thrive. Zookeepers abide by regulations such as giving them a choice of what kind of eucalyptus they want, with varying acidity levels. There is also a program to let other zoos borrow some of the San Diego Zoo’s koalas in order for people in other parts of the world to learn about them (an essential element of conservation) When they are transferred to another zoo, a thick informational packet and sometimes a koala expert is included to ensure they are treated with the best care possible.

Heidi, Conservation team