Only in Australia would you consider an animal who sleeps 20-22 hours a day a national icon. These lovely little guys are actually nasty bits of work, with huge claws and an odour that only its mother could have a chance of loving. That said, they do look adorable and have a couple of very interesting features. To me the most interesting bit of evolution is the following - they have a plate of cartilage across their backsides which is what they sit on in trees. This allows them both a bit more comfort and a bit more stability while sleeping.
I think they're pretty cute for something so stinky.
Taken February 2010 - Australia Zoo, Brisbane, Queensland
