Are you a koala or a kangaroo?

Kylie M
2 min readJul 26, 2021

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Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Yes. You need to choose one. It’s part of the game.

Me, I’d prefer to be a Koala. They sleep for approximately 20 hours a day and the rest of the time they’re eating (eucalyptus leaves) and mating. Perfect. The name “koala” comes from the Aboriginal Dharug word “gula” or “gulamany” meaning “no drink” as they mostly get water from leaves. They also live in some of the most beautiful locations in Australia and, when sitting high up in the trees, the most spectacular views too. Another important fact is that Koalas are not food. That is, for humans at least. They live for approximately 13–18 years. Just enough time to have some fun but not too much time for regret. How does that sound?

Kangaroos, on the other hand, are energetic, strong and adventurous. Their name comes from the Aboriginal word “gangarru” from the Guugu Yimithirr language. They live as family units with the matriarch as head. (Maybe you already have this kind of structure at home!) Like koalas, they live in some of the most beautiful locations in Australia and some of the hottest as well. Crucially though, Kangaroos are considered food — by humans. They live for between 9–22 years (depending on what breed and location). So life could be quite short. Now you’re thinking.

Have you decided?

Regardless, both need to be looked after and recognized as extremely unique and special parts of our environment and planet.

Just like you.

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