The Adventures of Kaluwara the Koala in the Galapagos Islands

Written by Allison Chase Sutherland Illustrated by Sun Woo Jeong

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-a- xing.”

“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 ever- optimistic 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– Deep in thought; distracted; preoccupied. accommodating – Helpful and obliging. accomplished – Skilled; expert. amble – To walk slowly or leisurely; stroll. anticipated – To look forward to, especially with pleasure; expect. disembark – To leave a vehicle or aircraft. eavesdropping – To listen secretly to the private conversation of others. ecstatically – With intense joy or delight. immense – Extremely large; huge. inquisitive – Curious; inquiring; inclined to investigate; eager for knowledge. interconnected – To be connected with each other. intrigue – To arouse the interest or curiosity of . legacy – Something handed down from the past. massive – Bulky, heavy, and solid. predicament – A situation, especially unpleasant, troublesome, or trying. quizzically – Suggesting puzzlement; questioning. solitude – Being alone or remote from others. taunt – To tease. tranquil – Calm; peaceful. unintentionally – Not intentional or deliberate. unison – Speaking the same words simultaneously by two or more speakers.

Spanish Vocabulary

Adios. – Goodbye. amigo – friend Buena suerte. – Good luck. Buenos días. – Good day. Cuidado. – Careful. De nada. – You’re welcome. It’s nothing. Entiendo. – I understand. excelente – excellent Gracias. – Thank you. Hola. – Hi. memoria – memory mi amor – my love mi amiga/amigo – my friend mis amigas/amigos – my friends Mi casa es tu casa. – My house is your house. Muchas gracias. – Thank you very much. Muchísimas gracias. — Thank you very, very much. querida – dear quinceañera – fifteenth birthday celebration Señor – sir sí – yes

Science Vocabulary biodiversity - Variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. botanist – Specialist in the science of botany, the science or study of plants. caldera – Large crater formed by volcanic explosion or by collapse of volcanic cone. convergence – The point of converging; a meeting place. ecosystem – Ecological community together with its environment. endangered species – A species faced with the danger of extinction. entomologist – One who specializes in the scientific study of insects. environmental – Relating to the ecological impact of altering the environment. equatorial – Relating to, or resembling the earth’s equator. estuary – An arm of the sea that extends inland to meet the mouth of a river. fauna – Animals, especially the animals of a particular region. flora – The plants of a particular country or region. fossil fuels – A hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from living matter of a previous geologic time, used for fuel. fumarole – Old hole in a volcanic area from which hot smoke and gases escape. geology – The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth. geyser– Natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a column of water and steam into 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. herpetology– Branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians. indigenous rock – Formed by solidification from a molten state. inlet – A recess, such as a bay or cove, along the coast. island archipelago – A large group of islands. islet – A very small island. lava – Molten rock that reaches the earth’s surface through volcano or fissure; rock formed by the cooling and solidifying of molten rock. mangrove – Tropical evergreen trees or shrubs having stiltlike roots and stems and forming dense thickets along tidal shores. marsupial – Any of various mammals, including kangaroos, opossums, koalas, and wombats, founded principally in Australia and the Americas. naturalist – One versed in natural history, especially in zoology or botany. nocturnal – Animals which are most active at night. olivine crystals– Mineral silicate of iron and magnesium in igneous and metamorphic rocks. 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. reptile – Cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates, such as a snake, lizard, crocodile, or 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