Koalas [antikvár]

»4 f iJ' PREFACE It was love at first sight! There, snug in a gum tree fork was a koala. It was the teddy bear of childhood come to life. Solemnly it stared down. Slowly the head turned to gain a better view. The koala was all sagacity, all gravity. Then, satisfied, the eyes closed and the animal returned to its daytime slumbering. Surveying its bushland kingdom, or moving from one branch to another in search of food or another sleeping place, the koala takes its time. Here is nature's rebuke to the modern pace of hfe. Nearing dusk, the koala opened its eyes and moved far out on a branch that swayed perilously. The animal paused to bring a branch of gum leaves to its mouth. No, the koala decided, a little to tough, a little too old. It reached for another. Just right. With gourmet gravity it began to eat, staring at us unblinking while the green sickle-shaped leaves disappeared between the munching jaws. In the 200 years since its discovery by Europeans this Australian marsupial has become famous. Today the koala shares with the giant panda the distinction of being the world's best loved animal. Vincent and Carol Serventy A koala sniffs at a leaf in the close examination needed to decide if it is palatable.