Since hunting koalas for their furs ended earlier in the 20th century, I thought it strange that in many places they seemed to be rare and sickly while in others they were abundant and apparently healthy. I heard about efforts focused on identifying and protecting prime koala habitat, research identifying chlamydia and other afflictions affecting some populations, and relocation programs from places of abundance to those of scarcity. It seemed curious that in some places koalas were so abundant that they were killing the gum trees they depended on for food. A few anecdotes and personal observations added to my sketchy knowledge about koalas.