After all, this is not at all natural for the animals, even if it feels like the most natural thing to us. There is a controversy as to whether you should be able to hold a koala. But even then you do not get to hold the koala, although sometimes you are allowed to stroke one gently on the back. It comes at a price-usually quite a steep price, of around $20 each and more.

In some wildlife centers you can get into the enclosure and stand next to the koala perched in its tree and get your photo done. You can get near a koala in most wildlife parks all of the park managers are very aware that these are the most-loved animals, the ones that overseas visitors want to get close to, so they arrange feeding schedules and talks about them. Picking up a koala is actually against the law in all states bar Queensland.

But should you get that photo? And will you actually get to hug the animal? After all, everybody will immediately know you’ve been to Australia. It is the most iconic souvenir picture any visitor to Australia can bring home: the one of you holding a little koala.