The Adventures of
Kaluwara the Koala
in the Galapagos Islands
Allison Chase Sutherland
Illustrated by Sun Woo Jeong
Written by
The Adventures of Kaluwara the Koala
in the Galapagos Islands
Copyright © 2006 by Allison Chase Sutherland
Washington, DC
Summary: Kaluwara the Koala and Kokowara the Kookaburra embark on an adventure of discovery from the
eucalyptus forests of Australia to encounter the endangered species of the Galapagos Islands before it’s too late,
and teach the children of the Earth how to protect them. Note: Included with the story is a letter from Kaluwara
to the children of the Earth, a list of tips to help children protect the environment, and a glossary of English,
Spanish, and science terminology.
First Edition
Printed in USA
To Aidan & Marcelo,
my favorite albatrosses
and my greatest loves!!
Thanks to everyone at the Galapagos Conservancy,
for reviewing my manuscript,
and continuing the important work of protecting
the endangered species of the Galapagos.
Contents
I
Francisco the Finch………………………………………….1
II
Lolita the Lava Lizard………………………………………..5
III
Allie the Albatross – Air Galapagos………………………...8
IV
Kokowara the Kookaburra ………………………………...13
V
Florentina the Flamingo………….………………………...16
VI
Rebecca the Red-footed Booby Bird…………….…………21
VII
Aprilita, Alberto, Aidan & Arcelino the Albatrosses….….25
VIII
Tortuga the Tortoise……………………………..…….…..29
IX
Tortina the Tortoise…….……………………………….…31
X
Iggy the Iguana………………………………………..……36
XI
Big Tyler the Tortoise & Little Tyler the Tortoise……….…41
XII
Pedro the Penguin……………………………………….…45
Letter from Kaluwara……...…………………………….…50
Kaluwara’s 10 Tips to Help Protect the Environment……....51
Photographs of the Author & Illustrator…………….….....53
Note from the Author……………….………………....….54
Glossary - English, Spanish & Science Vocabulary…......…55
ONE
Francisco the Finch
A strong wind blew the sturdy wooden outrigger Intrepid
across the gentle blue Pacific, straight on course to the enchanted
islands just emerging from the sea in the distance. The islands were
mysterious and exotic, full of intriguing and unusual creatures.
These were the Galapagos Islands, and many rare and unique
species evolved here as nowhere else on earth.
Kaluwara the Koala had set sail for these curious islands way
across the vast, blue Pacific Ocean from the coast of Kewarra, in
Australia. She had long dreamed of visiting the distant shores of the
Galapagos Islands, six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador in
South America, and would soon set paw on the islands she had read
so much about from atop her favorite eucalyptus tree back home in
the temperate forests of Kuranda in Northeastern Queensland.
Soon she would meet the famous tortoises after whom the
Galapagos Islands were named. She could hardly wait these
precious last moments. She had come so far, and now the islands,
resting peacefully before her in the Pacific, were actually in sight!
The sun bore steadily down on the islands as the little
wooden outrigger finally reached the remote shores of Santa Cruz.
Swallow-tailed gulls flew overhead as a welcome to the outrigger
and its curious captain, as orange-billed oystercatchers darted along
the lava rocks at the edge of the shore, and a great colony of
Darwin’s finches rested on a high rock, watching curiously to see
who might emerge from the little outrigger to visit their isolated
habitat in the Galapagos.
-1-
“What on earth is that peculiar creature?” whispered one
finch to another as Kaluwara the Koala approached the island.
“It’s decidedly a very odd creature,” replied the other finch
in amazement. “I guess it’s not from these parts. Let’s hear what it
has to say,” proposed the finch as they flapped expectantly, falling
over one another to get closer.
Francisco the Finch flew down to greet the visitor just as
Kaluwara the Koala pulled her little outrigger ashore.
“G’day!” said Kaluwara the Koala gleefully.
“Hola, Señorita,” began a black finch in his most
distinguished voice. “Welcome to our island, or as we say here in
the Galapagos, bienvenida.”
“I’m Kaluwara the Koala, and I’ve traveled a great distance
across the seas, from Australia, way down under, and I have come to
discover the wonders of your sunny archipelago and visit its many
remarkable creatures, and, uh…if I may… I am curious to meet for
myself one of the famous Galapagos Tortoises,” continued Kaluwara
eagerly.
“Well, you’ve come a very long way indeed, and you’ve
come to the right place!” declared Francisco the Finch, and the
other birds squawked in unison. “You know, if it weren’t for the
famous naturalist Charles Darwin, you may never have heard of a
Galapagos Tortoise, or of us Darwin’s finches for that matter,” he
noted, the other finches nodding in agreement. “In fact, I know just
the place. Follow me,” beckoned the black bird as he suddenly took
flight. Startled, Kaluwara the Koala jumped up and hurriedly
scurried after him. Thus began her adventures in the Galapagos
Islands.
-2-
The other Darwin’s finches flapped their wings farewell,
squawking all the way, until Kaluwara could hear them no longer.
“Adios, adios, adios!”
“Adios, everyone!” exclaimed Kaluwara, glancing quickly
backwards.
Francisco the Finch flapped away over the grey boulders,
and Kaluwara the Koala could barely keep up with the swift bird.
She stumbled along, trying to keep up with the pace of the fleeting
finch, but Francisco in his excitement was getting further and
further away every second.
Kaluwara continued on diligently after Francisco, who was
heading at great speed toward the tropical forest. And just as
Kaluwara entered the forest, all out of breath, one of her tired paws
got snagged on a vine, and she landed with a thump. As she moved
her paw to untangle it, the vine seemed to move!
-3-
TWO
Lolita the Lava Lizard
“Hey there, you! I don’t know where you come from, but
around here, it’s not considered polite to step on a lava lizard’s tail,
especially a lounging lava lizard,” gasped the reddish reptile tartly.
“Well, excuse me,” replied Kaluwara in her most apologetic
tone, trying to catch her breath. “I come from the eucalyptus forests
of Australia, and we don’t have any lava lizards. In fact, I’ve never
even heard of a lava lizard.”
“Well, of course you don’t have any lava lizards in, where
did you say, this eucalyptus forest you speak of. You might say
we’re rather particular creatures, as species go, that is. We only live
here in these remarkable Galapagos Islands,” retorted the lava
lizard proudly.
“Fascinating! I’m Kaluwara the Koala. Very nice to meet
you,” expressed the little koala brightly.
“Hola, I’m Lolita the Lava Lizard,” she introduced herself,
becoming somewhat intrigued by this unexpected furry little
creature that had so abruptly disrupted her tranquility. “What
brings you to our little corner of the ocean, Señorita, did you say
Kaluwara?”
“That’s right, Kaluwara. Say, maybe you could help me,” she
thought out loud. “I was on my way to see the Galapagos Tortoises.
Could you possibly be so kind as to point me in the right
direction?”
“Well, of course! Why didn’t you say so, my fuzzy little
friend? Follow me,” indicated Lolita the Lava Lizard. “I’ll take you to
see Allie the Albatross,” offered Lolita. “She is very wise. She will
certainly know where to find a Galapagos Tortoise.”
-5-
“Thank you, oh thank you, Lolita,” gushed Kaluwara, “I
really appreciate it. And again, sorry about the tail.”
“No hay problema, no problem, Señorita Kaluwara,” Lolita
the Lava Lizard assured her. “All is well in Santa Cruz. Take your
time. You are in the islands now. We lizards like to lounge around,
you know. You should try it sometime. It’s really quite rela-a-a-a-axing.”
“Sounds quite delightful. I’ll have to try it one of these days.
I often take a quiet nap in the lofty branches of a eucalyptus tree,”
mentioned Kaluwara. “Oh yes, and you can just call me Kaluwara.”
“Gracias, Señorita, I mean Kaluwara, but what on earth is a
eucalyptus anyway?” probed Lolita, somewhat puzzled.
“Oh, why, I live atop a eucalyptus tree, and I eat eucalyptus
leaves every day. Would you like to try one?” offered Kaluwara
generously, as she took a eucalyptus leaf out of her pouch.
“Why not? You only live once. Let’s have a try of that
strange, mysterious leaf you speak about?” consented Lolita, her
tongue darting out at lightning speed.
“Here you go,” said Kaluwara, as she offered Lolita a leaf.
“Peee-ew, I don’t wish to appear uncivilized, but that thing
stinks. You expect me to eat that?” protested Lolita.
“Oh, but Lolita, it’s really quite delicious. Watch me eat it.
Yum yum, mmm, I love it. Can’t get enough. In fact, even my
outrigger is dug out from a eucalyptus tree,” Kaluwara assured
Lolita the Lava Lizard as she munched contentedly on her
eucalyptus leaves.
-6-
“Hmmm, all right, let me try one then,” agreed Lolita
hesitantly, as she snatched a little leaf out of Kaluwara’s tiny paw
and started to nibble on it. “Bleck, that’s disgusting,” scoffed Lolita,
as she spit out the leaf, coughing and sputtering. “Outrageous,
Kaluwara! That’s all you eat?! Oh, I feel for you, my little friend. As
for me, I must turn over a new leaf and try not to be quite so daring.
I think I’ll stick to the usual from now on. I’m probably intended to
eat what grows here naturally on Santa Cruz, like all the tasty
insects. Ay, delicioso! Well, follow me. Let’s get started on your
mission,” insisted Lolita.
“My mission? Why, yes, I like that, my mission! Let’s get
started is right!” agreed Kaluwara, vigorously nodding her head.
Kaluwara meandered after Lolita, the flamboyant red lava
lizard, through the tropical brush for quite some time, when
suddenly they reached a clearing. Fortunately, their journey for
now was almost over, for little Kaluwara was almost out of breath!
“Ah, look ahead, on that rock. That’s Allie the Albatross,”
Lolita indicated gracefully with her long slender tail.
Kaluwara emerged from the brush behind Lolita to see a
single great albatross, resting on a big grey boulder.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you, Kaluwara,” urged Lolita the
Lava Lizard, as she scurried off over the rocks to see Allie the
Albatross.
-7-
THREE
Allie the Albatross – Air Galapagos
“Hola, Allie,” began the lizard, “I would like to present to
you a creature who is quite eager to meet you,” trumpeted Lolita
triumphantly, as she stepped out of the way and ceremoniously
presented Kaluwara with her tail. “Introducing Kaluwara the Koala
from the eucalyptus forests of Australia!”
Kaluwara smiled her friendliest smile, basking in the
warmth of this kind introduction. “Kaluwara has requested to be
pointed in the direction of the Galapagos Tortoises,” continued
Lolita, luxuriating in her moment in the sunlight. “She’s journeyed
a great distance across the vast, blue Pacific in her outrigger of
eucalyptus just to meet them. In fact,” she paused dramatically,
“she’s on a mission!” proclaimed Lolita the Lava Lizard regally.
“Buenos días, Kaluwara, and welcome, bienvenida to Santa
Cruz, our beautiful island. I hope you are enjoying your visit so far,”
wished Allie the Albatross in a friendly tone.
“Oh yes, sí, sí, your island is exquisitely scenic and
refreshingly natural, better than I ever imagined, and this is my
very first voyage far from my homeland in the eucalyptus forests of
Kuranda,” agreed Kaluwara, nodding convincingly.
“Excelente, it greatly gladdens my heart to hear this report.
We like our visitors to feel very welcome in the Galapagos Islands.
Well, Kaluwara, I know some kindly Galapagos Tortoises we may
encounter on the island of Isabela,” suggested Allie the Albatross.
“Oh, I see. Well, then, I’ll have to return to the other side of
the island to my sturdy little outrigger that I sailed across the seas,”
mused Kaluwara. “That is, if you could kindly show me the way
back. Otherwise, I dare say, I might get lost deep in the tropical
brush!” she admitted bashfully.
-8-
“Nonsense, you won’t need the outrigger to visit Isabela,”
Allie assured her, as she waved her feathers back and forth. “I’ll
take you there myself. Air Galapagos, at your service. First class!”
saluted Allie the Albatross. “You’re not afraid of heights, are you,
my little friend?” asked Allie.
“Oh, no, thanks for asking. In fact, I live atop a eucalyptus
tree way down under in Australia!”
“Well then, hop on!” said Allie the Albatross, and so she did.
Allie flapped her big albatross wings, and they were off.
Kaluwara and Allie soared over the glorious Galapagos archipelago
below. “Goodbye, good luck, adios amigas,” shouted Lolita the Lava
Lizard, and she waved her tail goodbye as they flew out of sight.
Higher and higher they flew in the skies over Santa Cruz.
“Look now, there’s the Charles Darwin Research Station and
National Park,” Allie pointed out, “named after the famous English
naturalist and scientist, Charles Darwin. Isn’t it splendid?! Many of
our unique species were first documented by Mr. Darwin, back in
1835. We’re so blessed that the scientists are still so interested in
studying our populations. They have quite a facility here, with
marine biologists, botanists, entomologists, ornithologists, and
herpetologists, studying the flora, fauna, and geology of the
Galapagos, and through this important knowledge, helping to
protect our endangered species. Do you happen to share the
unfortunate distinction of having endangered species on your
Australian continent?" asked Allie with concern.
-9-
"Why yes, unfortunately we do," replied Kaluwara
ruefully. "The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat and the Bridled Nail
Tail Wallaby are threatened, as is the desert-dwelling Greater Bilby,
which may still survive near Cunnamulla, the Southern Tiger Quoll,
the Northern Platypus Frog, the Freshwater Tiger Crab, the
Boggomoss Snail, the Intertidal Trapdoor Spider, the beautiful
Apollo Jewel Butterfly, and the Dugong in the Great Barrier Reef.
Even the great Humpback and Blue Whales are in danger of
extinction! In fact, I must admit,” she continued sadly, “that the
Australian koala itself is an endangered species.” Kaluwara paused
solemnly at the reminder. “Allie, I am an endangered species…"
"Indeed!" remarked Allie gravely. "Well, I had sincerely
hoped not to hear that piece of news, Kaluwara. Regrettably, many
species of albatross are also threatened throughout the world, by
fishing lines and…” Allie paused despondently, “and something
must be done before it’s too late!" Kaluwara the Koala leaned down
and hugged her friend Allie the Albatross, reassured by the
understanding voice of her friend.
"This news also gives me great sorrow,” said Kaluwara
dejectedly. “And I appreciate your kind concern, Allie. But it
reminds us why it is so important for us all to take care of this
Earth,” continued the precious little koala in a very serious tone.
"Many species are endangered due to loss of habitat. Their homes
are destroyed, like the many eucalyptus forests of Australia that
have been cut for land space and natural resources. But there are
also nature preserves just full of eucalyptus to help protect us.
- 10 -
Throughout Australia, we unfortunately have many
endangered species. And some that are already extinct, like the
lovely Paradise Parrot, which is gone forever. Now we can only see
them in books, like dinosaurs. That's why I wanted to see the
Galapagos Tortoises with my own eyes – while I still have the
chance. But there's still time, if we all work together, to save our
beautiful Earth," pronounced Kaluwara positively, with her everoptimistic smile.
"Yes, Kaluwara, your words hold great wisdom," nodded
Allie reverently. “If we all work together…"
- 11 -
Note from the Author
I grew up in the 70s, when it started to become clear that we needed to take better care of
our environment. My mom was the first person in our neighborhood to recycle. Recycling is fun
when everyone in the family helps. And these days, it’s as easy as putting out the trash in a
different bin. We had to drive to the recycling center! At seven, I sent away for the booklet “How
to Save Money on your Electric Bill,” and I have tried to respect the environment ever since.
When my office building was discarding hundreds of tulip bulbs to change the
landscaping, my neighbors and I transplanted them all over the neighborhood. Just imagine the
spring!! These could have also gone to a school. There are always resourceful ideas of how to take
care of our environment, if we take the time to look.
From baby birds fallen from their nests, to tadpoles and frogs from Joel’s Creek, and
Myrtle the Turtle, who returned each spring from the forest with that telltale chip on her shell,
(we think she was a girl), wildlife and nature always fascinated me. I constantly went exploring in
the great forest behind my childhood home.
In Virginia, I remember catching sight of a baby black bear while hiking in the
Shenandoah Valley, a herd of deer dashing through the forest, a great blue heron gliding over the
lake behind my home. And I will always remember my Alaskan Malamute who made me love
winter. He looked like a wolf. He acted like a kitten. He even let me brush his teeth!
Islands, oceans, and faraway, exotic destinations have always fascinated me. I have enjoyed
snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant coral, floating gently over giant starfish on the sea
floor off the coast of Cozumel in the Mexican Caribbean, and sighting bright blue lizards in Aruba
in the Netherlands Antilles. I can still hear the mellifluous songs of the tropical birds in the Puerto
Rican jungle of El Yunque, and of the tree frogs in Dominica, and see the dolphins playing in the
wake of the boat in Milford Sound, formed by glacial melting during the last millennia, in the
South Island of New Zealand. And I will never forget that moonlit night on Wassaw Island gazing
into the sandy eyes of a freshly hatched baby loggerhead sea turtle, digging those determined little
flippers in the sand, struggling toward the deep blue Atlantic.
When I think back to Australia, I recall a baby koala, clinging tightly (and precariously) to
its mother’s back, shimmying up a tall, tall tree. I remember being on a skipjack exploring the
threatened estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, which the Indians named “Great Shellfish Bay” for its
seemingly endless quantities of blue crabs and oysterbeds. Camping at Seal Cove in Nova Scotia, in
the Canadian Maritimes, and on Vancouver Island in the Broken Islands near Pacific Rim
National Park, one could see bald eagles and humpback whales on the same day. And I want to be
able to go back tomorrow – everywhere.
This planet has been entrusted to our care. The saying goes, “Think Globally, Act Locally.”
As Kaluwara always says, “We all share the same air, the same earth, and the same oceans. It’s all
interconnected. We’re all interconnected. That’s why it’s so important to protect the environment,
to protect Kaluwara, to protect all of us. It’s all really just one big home, this Earth.” You could put
Kaluwara’s tips on your refrigerator as a handy reminder. This way, we can remember every day to
act in a way that will protect the many beautiful, natural places on our Earth for all the creatures of
future generations. And with your help, we will do just that. Just remember what Kaluwara says,
“We’re all in this together. “
Thank you and good luck!!
~Allie
Glossary
English Vocabulary
absent-minded–
accommodating –
accomplished –
amble –
anticipated –
disembark –
eavesdropping –
ecstatically –
immense –
inquisitive –
interconnected –
intrigue –
legacy –
massive –
predicament –
quizzically –
solitude –
taunt –
tranquil –
unintentionally –
unison –
Deep in thought; distracted; preoccupied.
Helpful and obliging.
Skilled; expert.
To walk slowly or leisurely; stroll.
To look forward to, especially with pleasure; expect.
To leave a vehicle or aircraft.
To listen secretly to the private conversation of others.
With intense joy or delight.
Extremely large; huge.
Curious; inquiring; inclined to investigate; eager for knowledge.
To be connected with each other.
To arouse the interest or curiosity of .
Something handed down from the past.
Bulky, heavy, and solid.
A situation, especially unpleasant, troublesome, or trying.
Suggesting puzzlement; questioning.
Being alone or remote from others.
To tease.
Calm; peaceful.
Not intentional or deliberate.
Speaking the same words simultaneously by two or more speakers.
Spanish Vocabulary
Adios. –
Goodbye.
amigo –
friend
Good luck.
Buena suerte. –
Buenos días. –
Good day.
Cuidado. –
Careful.
You’re welcome. It’s nothing.
De nada. –
Entiendo. –
I understand.
excelente –
excellent
Gracias. –
Thank you.
Hola. –
Hi.
memory
memoria –
mi amor –
my love
mi amiga/amigo – my friend
mis amigas/amigos – my friends
Mi casa es tu casa. – My house is your house.
Thank you very much.
Muchas gracias. –
Muchísimas gracias. —Thank you very, very much.
querida –
dear
quinceañera –
fifteenth birthday celebration
sir
Señor –
sí –
yes
Science Vocabulary
biodiversity Variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region.
Specialist in the science of botany, the science or study of plants.
botanist –
caldera –
Large crater formed by volcanic explosion or by collapse of volcanic cone.
convergence –
The point of converging; a meeting place.
Ecological community together with its environment.
ecosystem –
endangered species – A species faced with the danger of extinction.
One who specializes in the scientific study of insects.
entomologist –
Relating to the ecological impact of altering the environment.
environmental –
equatorial –
Relating to, or resembling the earth’s equator.
An arm of the sea that extends inland to meet the mouth of a river.
estuary –
Animals, especially the animals of a particular region.
fauna –
flora –
The plants of a particular country or region.
A hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived
fossil fuels –
from living matter of a previous geologic time, used for fuel.
Old hole in a volcanic area from which hot smoke and gases escape.
fumarole –
The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth.
geology –
Natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into
geyser–
the air.
greenhouse effect – When the earth’s atmosphere traps solar radiation, caused by gases such as
carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane in the atmosphere that allow
incoming sunlight to pass through but absorb heat radiated back from earth’s
surface.
hemisphere –
Either the northern or southern half of the earth as divided by the
equator or the eastern or western half as divided by a meridian.
Branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians.
herpetology–
Formed by solidification from a molten state.
indigenous rock –
inlet –
A recess, such as a bay or cove, along the coast.
island archipelago – A large group of islands.
A very small island.
islet –
lava –
Molten rock that reaches the earth’s surface through volcano or fissure;
rock formed by the cooling and solidifying of molten rock.
Tropical evergreen trees or shrubs having stiltlike roots and stems and
mangrove –
forming dense thickets along tidal shores.
marsupial –
Any of various mammals, including kangaroos, opossums, koalas, and
wombats, founded principally in Australia and the Americas.
One versed in natural history, especially in zoology or botany.
naturalist –
Animals which are most active at night.
nocturnal –
Mineral silicate of iron and magnesium in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
olivine crystals–
ornithology –
Branch of zoology that deals with the study of birds.
renewable resources–Designating a commodity or resource, such as solar energy or firewood,
that is inexhaustible or replaceable by new growth.
Cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates, such as a snake, lizard, crocodile, or
reptile –
turtle, with external covering of scales or horny plates, breathing with lungs.
topography –
Graphic representation of the service features of a place or region on a
map, indicating their relative positions and elevations.
tropical –
Hot and humid; torrid characteristic of the Tropics.
volcano –
Opening in earth’s crust through which molten lava, ash, gases are ejected.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company,
Boston –New York , 1992