There are koalas in the Galician eucalyptus forests.
Yes, you read that right—koalas in Galicia!
For quite some time now there were rumors and occasional sightings, but now experts from the University of Santiago have confirmed their presence after months of research. The article below tell the full story (in Spanish).
Keep scrolling for a summary, in English.
As the article says, the story behind this surprising discovery is fascinating.
Apparently, a well-known Galician drug lord once built a private zoo for his grandchildren, complete with exotic animals, including koalas. When the children lost interest, the animals were released into the wild, and the koalas found a home in Galicia’s eucalyptus forests.
The humid climate and abundance of eucalyptus—a tree not native to Galicia but widespread due to the timber industry—have provided these marsupials with everything they need to survive. While their impact on the local ecosystem is still being studied, their presence adds a unique twist to Galicia’s rich natural landscape.
So, if you’re walking the Camino through Galicia, keep an eye out—you might just spot one of these unexpected visitors!
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