Wild Koala Day is an annual event celebrated in several countries around the world on May 3. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of koalas and their natural habitat. Koalas, sometimes called the koala bear, are iconic Australian marsupials known for their fluffy appearance and preference for eucalyptus leaves as their primary food source. However, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, diseases, and climate change, among others. Koalas may live from 13 to 18 years in the wild. While female koalas usually live this long, males may die sooner because of their more risky lives.

Koalas typically inhabit open Eucalyptus woodland, as the leaves of these trees make up most of their diet. This eucalypt diet has low nutritional and caloric content and contains toxic compounds that deter most other mammals from feeding on it. Koalas have few natural predators and parasites but are threatened by various pathogens, such as Chlamydiaceae bacteria and koala retrovirus. Koalas Are 'Functionally Extinct'! Only 80,000 Remaining, Says Australian Koala Foundation.

Wild Koala Day 2024 Date

Wild Koala Day 2024 will be celebrated on Friday, May 3.

Wild Koala Day Significance

Wild Koala Day is an important global event that aims to educate people about the threats the Koalas face and promote actions to protect koalas and their environment. It often involves various activities such as educational workshops, tree planting events, fundraising initiatives, and opportunities to observe koalas in the wild or at wildlife sanctuaries. Koalas are one of the 10 species worldwide most at risk from climate change. The day aims to highlight the challenges facing koalas in the wild, including habitat loss, disease, climate change, and threats from urbanisation. The day encourages people to learn more about koalas, their habitats, and what individuals can do to help protect them. Ash, First Koala Born in Australian Reptile Park After Devastating Bushfires Gives Reason to Have Hope! (Watch Adorable Video).

On Wild Koala Day, let's remember to protect koalas and where they live. Let’s vow to raise awareness about the issues faced by them and keep them safe so they can stay fluffy and happy. Let's all work together to make sure koalas have a good home and life for a long time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2024 09:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).