At Sunshine Coast Koala Rescue in Australia, two little orphaned koala babies have figured out the best way to get through a rough start: stick together and don’t let go! Placed side by side in a basket with some stuffed animals as company, they’ve been able to find comfort and reassurance in each other.
It’s straightforward and simple, but ridiculously cute. For young marsupials, touch isn’t just optional–it’s the way they calm down, rest properly and grow strong enough for their next stage of life.
All About the Koala Bear
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Despite the name, these guys are actually marsupials. Native to Australia, they live in eucalyptus trees and eat those leaves almost exclusively. Koalas are known for their impressive commitment to sleep–up to 20 hours a day! They are very solitary animals, and keep to themselves, aside from the deep bond between a mother and her joey.
That bond is critical early in their life, which is why orphaned babies face such a touch road. Around 90% of hand-raised Koalas will not survive, and the main reason for death is due to all the things they lose from not having their Mom (such as heat loss, an impact on nutritional needs, greatly increased stress levels, and other factors). Despite the best efforts of rehab groups, it is incredibly difficult to successfully raise an orphaned joey to adulthood. Having the comfort of another joey is a great stand-in for the mother’s warmth they’ve lost, and also helps reduce the stress they experience without having Mom around to help them through life.
Related: Grandpa Rescues Koala, Gives Him the ‘I’m Not Mad, Just Disappointed’ Speech
The Koala is listed as an endangered species in Australia with estimates that put its population at anywhere between 86,000-176,000. The numbers are still declining, with the largest threats being land clearing and development, cat and dog attacks, and car encounters.
For these two little orphans, their world got smaller but also softer. A basket, a blanket, and each other. It’s not complicated. Let’s hope it turns out to be enough.
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Sep 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.