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Hot Summers and Koala's habitat
It has been a particularly dry Summer here in South Australia. In fact we are in one of the worst droughts ever experienced since European settlement. My concern is the welfare of our native animals and in particular our koalas.
It is a popularly held belief that koalas only get their fluid from the gum leaves that they chew. This is not necessarily so. Last Tuesday I had a most wonderful experience: I was shifting pot plants into even deeper shade, the weather forecast was for extreme heat, over 39c. I heard a rustling in the little thicket in the midst of our mainly native garden, and yes, there he was again: our resident koala, settling down for the day at the base of a small tree and almost completely screened from view. it was much cooler there and enough protection from wandering dogs.
Chatting away to him in what I hoped was a calming voice, I asked if he would like some water. Scrambling in through he surrounding scrub I offered him a bowl of water. I was at an arm's length from him and he made very little effort to escape. I could hardly contain my joy at being so close to a wild animal and afairly harmless one at that!
At first he wasn't sure how to go about drinking. He sniffed and sniffed and finally this little pink tongue came out and furtively began to lap. I think it was a totally new experience for him (as it was for me!)
This continued for several minutes, finally I decided to edge a little closer when I took the opportunity to change, by now, my aching hand. I was within very easy reach of him and decided to slowly extend my other hand and gently pat him on the head. It worked! He never moved or gave any indication that he was frightened or annoyed. I patted away and then decided to give him a little scratch on the head and ears, he responded similarly to our old, departed cat..............with pleasure.
The fur was not as soft as I had expected. It was quite thick and I guess very insulating which I felt would in all probability give him some protection from the bush fires we experience in our "Sun-burnt Country" Best , of course, to be always on the look-out for the least sign of such an horrendous event at it's beginnings. Our dear native animals can't really out run these fierce fires.
I ended up actually sitting on the ground and splashing my dear friend with the water. Over his nose, head, paws. He busily licked up the precious gift. It was truly one of my life's lovely happenings and I learned anew how important it is to help, in any small way, our wonderful animals and not to believe everything we hear......koalas do need to have water provided for them from time to time.
I am just so Blessed to have had such a unique experience and hope he comes again.
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Contributor's Note
My own experience.
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The copyright for this content entitled "Hot Summers and Koala's habitat" has been specified by the contributor as:
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This intel was contributed by maandii
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May, 2012
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