Built for the treetops, but not afraid of a dash on the ground 🌳 🐨 Koalas are primarily arboreal, or tree-dwelling, and are expert climbers thanks to their strong limbs, sharp claws, and opposable thumbs. They usually only descend from trees to move between feeding grounds or to find new trees. On the ground, koalas appear slow and awkward, ambling along on all fours. However, when disturbed, they can break into a surprising gallop. Before leaving a tree, a koala will pause to watch and listen