KEY POINTS:
Should anyone try to tell you about the noble qualities of Australia's iconic koala, keep in mind some basic facts from the keepers of Gumbha.
Gumbha the koala - a resident of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula - sleeps 19 hours a day, waking only to eat, and, occasionally, mate. Today he's banned from going near any females because of his rough mating habits, so he's decided to spend the entire day napping - seemingly unbothered by our cameras flashing in front of his face.
It's not his fault - the eucalyptus leaves Gumbha feeds on are so low in nutritional value he has to go to sleep after meals. Otherwise, he'll spend more energy digesting food than he gets from eating it.
I'm pleased Moonlit Sanctuary has more lively rescued animals to attract our attention. There's a python, which staff will wrap around the neck of a brave visitor, and three caged dingoes, so tame sanctuary manager Michael can pick one up and cuddle it. He says it's only rarely a dingo escapes and returns with a live chicken, and the trio doesn't bother the group of kangaroos hopping around the sanctuary hoping to be fed.
We have the feeling we've missed the best of Gumbha's neighbours, though, when we leave before the guided night-walks begin. Evening bush walks promise the chance to see various rare and furry creatures in their natural habitats.
