Koala Research

Meet ... Calvin

Our wonderful old guy - Calvin is an inspiration. We have no doubt that he is the father or grandfather of many of our beloved koala friends, and we hope he has passed on his gentle nature and courage to his kids. He has never been grumpy or difficult, even though we have seen him many many times, and often on very hot days, which would make any old fella cross. On the hottest of days he seeks the shelter of a shady Cherry Ballart (a small native tree, but not a food tree for koalas) and then has to tolerate the ooohs and aaahs of delighted travellers (and tour guides) amazed to see him so close.

We met him on the first day we spent in the You Yangs looking for koalas - while the dreadful bushfire was raging through the Brisbane Ranges. Since then he has been one of our stars - he even featured in National Geographic Magazine and on the TV! See the link on our home page - that's Calvin in front of me eating. He was amazing that day - our Koala Spotter, Alison had found him and several other koalas early in the morning. After filming the sunrise, we joined her near Karen and Merle who were in neighbouring trees, but I thought I might just check on Calvin up the hill.

I could not believe my eyes as I came around the corner to see Calvin on the ground! Walking from one tree to another! He sat calmly at the base of a huge branch near the ground, while I grabbed the radio and told the film crew to drop everything and get up here! I heard later that cameras, tripods and people rushed past Alison in a blur - and in minutes they were there filming. Calvin wasn't content to simply sit there, he climbed up to eye height and proceeded to munch his way through a stack of Yellow Gum leaves while we just watched in utter fascination. Never did he appear nervous, disturbed or stressed - though I must say that everyone there was extremely respectful, quiet and kept their distance. Calvin was the King, and we were his subjects.

We named him on 15/2/06 after Bob & Shirley's grandson, Calvin, who loves nature!

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