Why koala has a stumpy tail is an Australian folktale about two friends, Tree Kangaroo and Koala. Long ago they were very close friends but their friendship soured after the events that transpired during a long drought in Australia. Tree Kangaroo was a hard worker and resourceful while Koala was lazy and opportunistic. Tree Kangaroo had the idea of digging a hole for water in a dry streambed. Tree Kangaroo started to dig but Koala kept making excuses about why he couldn't help dig the hole. Finally, Tree Kangaroo ends up digging the entire hole and when he finally finds water Koala jumps in a drinks all of it. Emblazoned with anger at Koala's selfish acts, Tree Kangaroo grabs Koala by the tail and pulls so hard that his long furry tail broke off at the base. Now Koala is left with a short, stumpy tail.
