In March 2006, burglars broke into a zoo in Queensland, Australia. They planned to steal a koala. Everybody loves koalas, right? With their big round eyes, flat noses, thick fur coat and hairy ears, these cute animals have become a popular symbol of Australia. However, appearances can be tricky. The koala at the zoo was very fierce. Soon the burglars had deep scratches (抓痕) from the koala’s sharp claws (爪), so they decided to steal something easier. They stole a crocodile instead!

Koalas are interesting animals. A koala mother carries her baby, called a joey, in a warm pouch, or pocket, on her stomach. Koalas eat only the oily leaves of eucalyptus trees (桉树). These leaves are harmful to many other animals, but koalas eat about two and a half pounds (just over one kilo) every night. There is enough water in these leaves, so koalas do not drink very much. In fact, in one local Australian language the word koala means “no drink”.