Koalas effectively have six “thumbs” in total: two on each front paw and one on each hind foot.

Quick Scoop

Koalas have:

  • 2 opposable thumbs on each front paw (so 4 front “thumbs” altogether).
  • 1 opposable “thumb” on each hind foot, which helps them grip branches with their feet.

That adds up to:

  • 4 front thumbs + 2 back foot thumbs = 6 opposable thumbs used for gripping and climbing.

This unusual hand-and-foot design gives koalas a powerful, precise grip for life high in eucalyptus trees.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.