In July 2006, Chiang Mai Zoo became the first zoo in Thailand to house koalas as Australia shipped four of the marsupials here to mark the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. Now, let's welcome a newborn baby koala.
Koalas, which are native to Australia, weigh about 9 kilogrammes each on average. “Koala” is an Aboriginal word, meaning “no drink”. The animals get water from their chief food, eucalyptus or gum leaves.
Female koalas take 2 to 3 years to reach productive age while males take 3 to 4 years. A healthy female koala can bear one offspring yearly for about 12 years.