Supplementary Book to the CD The Koala Went COOEE

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1 Supplementary Book to the CD The Koala Went COOEE

2 The Koala Went Cooee Australian Animal Songs and Rhymes by Morgan Schatz Blackrose Photography by Roman W. Schatz

3 Tell Me Books PO Box 60 Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Australia Morgan Schatz Blackrose 2015 This booklet was written as an accompaniment to the CD The Koala Went Cooee. It exists as an adjunct to the CD and includes the lyrics of the songs and rhymes and additional information and activities associated with learning about Australia s unique fauna. All lyrics are written by Morgan. Music is either arrangements of traditional music or original compositions by Morgan. The stories in this booklet are reprinted from my storytelling handbook, Tell Me: Storytelling as a Global Language (Schatz Blackrose 2008) Early childhood educators, storytellers and parents are encouraged to freely use and adapt the songs and stories in the education of young people. Cover Design and Photography by Roman W. Schatz. All photographs by Roman W. Schatz except for the Emu, Echidna, Wombat hole and Wombat scat, which were taken by Kelly Coleman and used with her permission. Acknowledgement: Thank you To Kelly Coleman for her careful reading, suggestions and corrections. Any mistakes in the factual content of this information are entirely my own. For further storytelling resources please go to my website. Dedication: To the park rangers and guides, conservationists, environmentalists, bush regenerators and wildlife carers who work to ensure future generations of children can enjoy our natural heritage, and especially Janet Cohen who engaged me as artist in residence at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre.

4 CONTENTS SONGS The Koala Went COOEE Kookaburras I Went Walking in the Bush - What Did I See? Goanna I m a Little Wombat I m a Great Big Emu I m a Big Brush Turkey I m a Little Tree Frog Echidna D-I-N-G-O Walking in the Rainforest - What Did I Hear? Bees Bees Bees Swamp Wallaby Grey-Headed Flying Fox Ringtail Possum Sonata I Like Koalas The Bush Orchestra Wombat Blues Not the Crocodile Three Little Ducks I m a Little Platypus There s a Grey Koala in the Tree Koala Lullaby ACTIVITIES PAGE STORIES Tiddalik - The Greedy Frog Kookaburra- The Bush Alarm Clock Why the Platypus is Special Baiame s Gift -How the Kangaroo Got Her Pouch About Morgan

The Koala went COOEE (traditional tune) 1. I saw a koala in a tree and the koala smiled at me. Then the koala went COOEE. 2. I saw a cockatoo in a tree and the cockatoo smiled at me.

5 The Koala went COOEE (traditional tune) 1. I saw a koala in a tree and the koala smiled at me. Then the koala went COOEE. 2. I saw a cockatoo in a tree and the cockatoo smiled at me. The cockatoo went Aaahh Aaahh, Aaahh Aaahh And the koala went COOEE. 3. I saw a kookaburra in a tree and the kookaburra smiled at me. The kookaburra went Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha the cockatoo went Aaahh aaahh, Aaahh aaahh And the koala went COOEE. 4. I saw a possum in a tree and the possum smiled at me. The possum went Climb, climb, climb, climb, The kookaburra went Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha The cockatoo went Aaahh aaahh, Aaahh aaahh And the koala went COOEE. 5. I saw a kangaroo by a tree and the kangaroo smiled at me. The kangaroo went Boing boing, boing boing, The possum went Climb, climb, climb, climb, The kookaburra went Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha The cockatoo went Aaahh aaahh, Aaahh aaahh And the koala went COOEE. 6. I saw a wombat by a tree And the wombat smiled at me. The wombat went Digga digga, digga digga, The kangaroo went Boing boing, boing boing, The possum went Climb, climb, climb, climb, The kookaburra went Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha The cockatoo went Aaahh aaahh, Aaahh aaahh And the koala went COOEE. 1

The Kookaburra is an Australian bird that wakes me up every morning. That is why they are sometimes called the bush alarm clock. They herald the coming of both dawn and sunset with their laughter.

6 The Kookaburra is an Australian bird that wakes me up every morning. That is why they are sometimes called the bush alarm clock. They herald the coming of both dawn and sunset with their laughter. They also laugh during the day to signify their territory, but I think they also laugh for fun. Kookaburras (Chorus) Kook kook kook kook kookaburras Laughing in a tree. Kook kook kook kook kookaburras, In the kingfisher family. They chomp on snakes and lizards and mice, Gobble grasshoppers and grubs and lice, They laugh and eat from dawn till dusk That laughing kookaburra chorus. (Chorus) The Kookaburras laugh at the rising sun, For the night is done and day has come They laugh and laugh and laugh for fun And wake up... everyone. (Chorus) The Kookaburras laugh at the setting sun, For the day is done and the night has come They laugh and laugh and laugh for fun, Good night... everyone. 2

When walking in the bush, look up, look down and look around you. What do you see? Who sees you?

I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a koala yawning at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a lizard smiling at me.

I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw an emu nodding at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a bilby blinking at me.

7 When walking in the bush, look up, look down and look around you. What do you see? Who sees you? Some animals and birds are excellent at camouflage, so look carefully and always watch where you tread! I Went Walking in the Bush What Did I See? I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a koala yawning at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a lizard smiling at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a wombat winking at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a kangaroo waving at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw an emu nodding at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a bilby blinking at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a bandicoot snuffling at me. I went walking in the bush what did I see? I saw a monkey swinging in a tree. [A monkey swinging? What did I do? Monkeys don t live in the Australian bush, So I rang the zoo!] (Galah, Land Mullet and Eastern Grey Kangaroo) 3

Goanna is a common name for a monitor lizard. Aboriginal people, depending on their language group, have many different names and creation stories of them.

8 Goanna is a common name for a monitor lizard. Aboriginal people, depending on their language group, have many different names and creation stories of them. The Lace Monitor lives in eastern Australia and forages for food on the ground, their strong claws make them excellent diggers and climbers. If disturbed they will run up a tree to safety. When up a tree they will also rob birds nests of their eggs, as bird eggs are one of their favourite foods. Goanna Goanna, Goanna, Run, run, run, Black and yellow bands And a long forked tongue. The second largest lizard In all the land But don t try and catch him Or he ll bite your hand. Lace Monitor Is your proper name, Scavenging and stealing Well that s your game. Goanna, grow Till you re two metres long, Eating snakes and birds eggs Makes you strong. Goanna, Goanna Run for the tree, Got to make your escape From the brush turkey. Cause you dug up the dirt In the turkey mound And stole all the eggs Buried in the ground. Goanna, Goanna, Run, run, run, Black and yellow bands And a long forked tongue. Goanna, Goanna, Run, run, run, Now you re safe up a tree Just soak up the sun. (A Lace Monitor Lizard climbing up a Scribbly Gum) 4

9 Here are six songs about some special Australian animals. A marsupial who lives in a burrow, Australia s largest bird, a bird who lives in the rainforest, Australia s prettiest amphibian, an egg laying mammal and Australia s first introduced mammal, who came to Australia about 5,000 years ago. Can you guess who they all are? I m a Little Wombat (traditional tune) I m a little wombat, short and stout, (on all 4 s on the ground) Here are my paws and here is my snout. (point to hands and nose) When I dig a big hole in the ground, (dig with hands) I kick the dirt all around. (kick legs) (A Wombat hole) I m a Great Big Emu (traditional tune) I m a great big emu, oh so tall, (show emu neck with arm outstretched) My neck is long and my wings are small. When I start to run, I go so fast, (running on the spot) You can t see my feet for dust. (run off) 5

(mound shape) I m a big brush turkey, the ground s the place for me, (move flat palm facing down) But come

10 (An Emu) I m a Big Brush Turkey (traditional tune) I m a big brush turkey, my claws rake the ground, (hands claw) To warm the eggs laying (egg shape) in my leafy mound. (mound shape) I m a big brush turkey, the ground s the place for me, (move flat palm facing down) But come the night time (point up to sky) I roost in a tree. (sit with arms tucked up) (A Brush Turkey scratching on top of a mound where the eggs are buried) 6

(use guiro to make frog sound) (The Green Tree Frog lives in the rainforest but is also happy to share camping grounds with humans, and can often be found in toilet and washing areas).

11 I'm a Little Tree Frog (traditional tune) I'm a little tree frog, my skin is green, (make Auslan sign for frog) I live in the rainforest canopy. I have webbed feet and I can be found In the rainforest making this sound. Braaawwwwk braaawwwk, braaawwwk.(use guiro to make frog sound) (The Green Tree Frog lives in the rainforest but is also happy to share camping grounds with humans, and can often be found in toilet and washing areas). Echidna (traditional tune) They call me hedgehog and porcupine, That s because I m covered in spines. They also call me an anteater, But my proper name is echidna. I m not a hedgehog or porcupine, Even though I m covered in spines, It s true that I like ants to eat, But I m an echidna, short and sweet. (And my baby is called a puggle) D-I-N-G-O (traditional tune) There was a wild Australian dog, And Dingo was his name-o. D-I-N-G-O, D-I-N-G-O, D-I-N-G-O, A wild Australian dog. (Up to ten male echidnas will waddle in a line behind a female echidna, for 2-3 days. Eventually she will choose her mate. Two weeks later she will lay an egg into her pouch and ten days after that a puggle will hatch, then spend 2-3 months being nursed inside her pouch, before emerging into the mother s burrow). 7

The rainforest is alive with sound. When walking along the trails, take time to stop and listen carefully. You may not be able to see who lives in the rainforest, but you will hear them.

Look around and listen to the calls and movements of the rainforest residents. Walking in the Rainforest What Did I Hear? Walking in the rainforest what did I hear?

12 The rainforest is alive with sound. When walking along the trails, take time to stop and listen carefully. You may not be able to see who lives in the rainforest, but you will hear them. Look up and listen for the birds singing in the canopy. Look down and listen to what is hopping, crawling, running or burrowing on the forest floor. Look around and listen to the calls and movements of the rainforest residents. Walking in the Rainforest What Did I Hear? Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a lorikeet chattering very near. Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a wallaby hopping very near. Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a catbird calling very near Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a cicada singing very near. Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a brush turkey scratching very near Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a pigeon cooing very near. Walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a tree frog croaking very near. I went walking in the rainforest what did I hear? I heard a python hissing very near. [A python hissing? What did I do? I ran away from there. Wouldn t you?] (A White-headed Pigeon) (A Green Tree Snake curled up in a Casuarina tree) 8

The European honeybee is black and yellow, but Australia has many species of native bees, that come in all colours and sizes, and can live in trees as well as underground.

13 The European honeybee is black and yellow, but Australia has many species of native bees, that come in all colours and sizes, and can live in trees as well as underground. Do you know the differences between bees, flies and wasps? Bees Bees Bees Bees Bees Bees These are native bees, Not flies, not wasps, but bees, Buzzing in the trees. Flies have two wings, Bees have four, Bees are vegetarians And wasps are carnivores, Bees make honey And pollinate flowers, I could watch them Buzz for hours. Bees, bees, bees. (A Swamp Wallaby) The swamp wallaby is a small macropod (a member of the kangaroo family). It lives in the east of Australia. Kangaroos, quokkas, wallabies, wallaroos, tree kangaroos, and pademelons make up 47 species of macropodidae, native to Australia. None of the kangaroo family can move backwards. Swamp Wallaby I go hop down the track, I move forward, not back I like to graze all day, cause that s the wallaby way. And when I m tired, there s the foot of a tree, A cool, shady place, for a swamp wallaby. 9

The grey-headed flying fox is the largest Australian bat, with a head and body length of 23-29 cm, and up to a metre wingspan.

They are known as a keystone species because they are crucial to maintaining the health and continuing the growth of our rainforests.

14 The grey-headed flying fox is the largest Australian bat, with a head and body length of cm, and up to a metre wingspan. There is a colony, also called a camp of them, living at Kooloonbung Creek, in the town where I live. They are known as a keystone species because they are crucial to maintaining the health and continuing the growth of our rainforests. Grey-Headed Flying Fox (traditional tune) I live with my friends in a colony, Hang upside down in a mangrove tree, Ten thousand fruits bats, just like me, Keep the forest growing by dispersing seeds. Spit them out here, poo them out there, Pollen and seeds, everywhere, We keep the rainforest growing strong, I m the grey-headed flying fox, And this is my song. (Grey-Headed Flying Foxes roosting in their camp) 10

15 Ringtail Possum Sonata (music and excerpt from the first movement of Sonata in C by Mozart) My nest is called a drey, And I sleep there all day. But come the night time hours, I eat leaves and fruit and flowers. Eucalyptus is my favourite food, It s not nutritious, So that s why I eat my own poo. I ve got a long tail, For hanging around, I climb through the trees And barely make a sound. Cause I m a ringtail possum, ringtail possum, I m a ringtail! Possums are marsupials, (mammals with pouches). There are 27 species of possums in Australia, including gliders, ringtails, brushtails and pygmy possums. The ringtail possum lives primarily in the Eastern coastal regions. of Australia. They don t swing t h r o u g h t h e t r e e s l i k e monkeys, but they do walk, jump and climb through the branches, using their tail to balance as they carry sticks for their drey. 11

Do you know the Auslan signs for these animals and birds? I like Koalas (traditional tune) I like koalas, And I like wombats, I like a platypus, And fruit bats.

16 Do you know the Auslan signs for these animals and birds? I like Koalas (traditional tune) I like koalas, And I like wombats, I like a platypus, And fruit bats. I like the kangaroos, And I like possums too, Kookaburra, Cockatoos, And Emus, Kookaburra, Cockatoos, And Emus. Have you heard the dawn chorus? That s the name given to all the birds who sing at dawn each day. The leaders of the chorus vary, but often it s the kookaburras with their raucous laughter who are first to wake everyone up. Grab an instrument and make your own wake-up chorus. The Bush Orchestra (chorus) Come on everybody, Come on everyone, Grab yourself an instrument, We re gonna have some fun. All the birds and animals, We re gonna make a band, It s called The Bush Orchestra, The best band in the land. (An Eastern Water Dragon and a Short-necked Turtle) Turtle played the triangle Froggie played the flute, Koala played the castanets, Bells for the bandicoots. Snake played the shakers, Dingo played the drum, Cockatoo played the clapsticks, And then old man Kangaroo, What did he play? The didgeridoo. (chorus) 12

There are three species of Wombat in Australia. The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat is critically endangered, which means they are at risk of extinction.

17 There are three species of Wombat in Australia. The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat is critically endangered, which means they are at risk of extinction. Wombat Blues I don t sleep in a cave, I don t nest in a tree, I don t swim in a creek, I don t surf in the sea. I ve got paws with claws For digging in the ground. A very big hole, Is where I can be found I dig my friends (yeah yeah) (repeat) I like to eat at night For hours and hours Grass and roots And even flowers. I sleep most days In my burrow underground. A very big hole, Is where I can be found. I dig my friends (yeah yeah) (repeat) They call me sturdy, They call me stout, I weigh 36 kilograms Without a doubt. I ve got a backward pouch Where my baby is found And no dirt gets in When I dig in the ground. I dig my friends (yeah yeah) (repeat) I m not a badger and I m not a numbat I m not a little bear and I m not a fruit bat. An Australian marsupial is where I m at My home is in a burrow and I m called Wombat. Wombat poo, Wombat poo Smelly, Squarey, Greeny, Cubey Wombat poo. WOMBAT FACTS The wombat is an Australian mammal The wombat is a marsupial (has a pouch) Wombats graze on grass and roots at night Wombats live in burrows up to 30 metres in length An adult wombat weighs up to 40 kilograms Wombats are strong and proficient diggers The female has a backwards-facing pouch A baby wombat stays in its mother s pouch for 6-10 months 13

18 Australia has two sorts of crocodiles, that live in the northern part of Australia. Freshwater crocodiles (freshies) which only grow up to three metres in length and Saltwater crocodiles (salties), the largest reptile in the world, growing to a length of seven metres. I don t recommend kissing any crocodile. Three Little Ducks (Adaptation of a traditional rhyme) Three little ducks went swimming in the river, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Along came Mr. Crocodile looking for his dinner, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Old Mr. Crocodile went snap, snap, snee, And gobbled up one of those little duckies. Not the Crocodile I kissed the cat, I kissed the cow, But not the crocodile, Kookaburra, Cockatoo, Koala and a Kangaroo, But not the crocodile. Why not the crocodile? Clap, clap, clap (clap hands) Why not the crocodile? Snap, snap, snap. (make Auslan sign for crocodile) Two little ducks went swimming in the river, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Along came Mr. Crocodile looking for his dinner, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Old Mr. Crocodile went snap, snap, snee, And gobbled up one of those little duckies. One little duck went swimming in the river, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Along came Mr. Crocodile looking for his dinner, splish splash splish splash splish splash splish. Old Mr. Crocodile went snap, snap, snee, But he couldn t catch that little duckie. Swim, Swim little duckie don t look back, Ha ha Mr. Crocodile quack, quack quack! (Saltwater Crocodiles are agile, swimmers, runners and leapers) 14

The platypus is a monotreme (egg-laying mammal) that lives in small streams and rivers over an extensive range of eastern Australia, from the cold highlands of Tasmania and the Australian Alps to the

19 The platypus is a monotreme (egg-laying mammal) that lives in small streams and rivers over an extensive range of eastern Australia, from the cold highlands of Tasmania and the Australian Alps to the tropical rainforests of coastal QLD. The Australian 20 cent coin features a platypus. I m a Little Platypus I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a water rat, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a native cat, (repeat) *** I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a beaver or a bat, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) And that is that. (repeat) (Chorus) I m not a duck, I m not a bird, I m not a fish, Don t be absurd. I m one of a kind, There s only me, In the platypus family. I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a water rat, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a native cat, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) Not a beaver or a bat, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) And that is that. (repeat) (Chorus) I m a little platypus, (repeat) I live in a stream, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) I m a little platypus, (repeat) I m a monotreme ***(A native cat is a quoll) 15 (An Australian 20 cent piece featuring the Platypus) PLATYPUS FACTS The platypus swims with its eyes, ears and nostrils shut. Platypuses locate their prey with the help of electric signals from their bodies, with sensors on their bill. Platypus is one of the few venomous mammals. The male platypus can deliver a poison, causing severe pain to humans, through a spur on its hind foot. Since the female platypus does not have nipples, her young suck milk from patches on the abdomen. Platypuses mate in the water, but the female lays her eggs on land, in a breeding burrow up to 20m long. The female platypus lays one to three eggs.

Diversity is one of Nature s greatest gifts. In Australia we have so many different species of animals, birds and insects.

There s a Grey Koala in the Tree (Traditional Tune) There s grey koala in the tree, La la la la la, A grey koala in the tree, La la la la la la, There s a grey koala in the tree, La

There s a red dragonfly in the tree, And it s flapping its wings at you and me. 4. There s a yellow robin in the tree, And it s chirping at you and at me. 5.

(Additional animals, birds and insects) 1. There s a white cockatoo in the tree, And it s squawking at you and at me. 2.

20 Diversity is one of Nature s greatest gifts. In Australia we have so many different species of animals, birds and insects. Many of them can be seen making their homes in, or visiting trees. There s a Grey Koala in the Tree (Traditional Tune) There s grey koala in the tree, La la la la la, A grey koala in the tree, La la la la la la, There s a grey koala in the tree, La la la la la, And its blinking at you and at me. 2. There s a brown cicada in the tree, And it s singing for you and for me. 3. There s a red dragonfly in the tree, And it s flapping its wings at you and me. 4. There s a yellow robin in the tree, And it s chirping at you and at me. 5. There s a blue wren in the tree, And it s whistling to you and to me. 6. There s a rainbow lorikeet in the tree, And it s chattering at you and at me. (Additional animals, birds and insects) 1. There s a white cockatoo in the tree, And it s squawking at you and at me. 2. There s a green tree snake in the tree, And it s hissing at you and at me. 3. There s a striped goanna in the tree, And it s flicking its tongue at you and me. 4. There s a spotted tree frog in the tree, And it s croaking at you and at me. 5. There s a black fruit bat in the tree, And its calling to you and to me. 6. There s a freckled duck in the tree, And its quacking at you and at me. (A red Dragonfly, orange Butterfly, Azure Kingfisher, Rainbow Lorikeet) Koalas can be found hanging out in eastern Australia, including Queensland, 16

21 New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. People often call them koala bears but they are not a bear at all, as they are arboreal (tree dwelling), herbivorous (plant eating), marsupials (female has a pouch for carrying young). Their closest relative is the wombat. Koala Lullaby (Traditional Tune) I saw a Koala, Koala, Koala, I saw a Koala high up in a tree. I asked her some questions, she gave me some answers, And this is the song we made, sing it with me. Oh where is your home Koala Koala Oh where is your home will you tell me? My home s in Australia, Australia, Australia, And I live at the top of a Eucalyptus tree. And what are you eating Koala, Koala, And what are you eating oh will you tell me? Eucalyptus for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner, Eucalyptus for morning and afternoon tea. And when are you sleeping Koala, Koala, And when are you sleeping will you tell me? I sleep in the morning, I sleep in the evening, I sleep in the daytime, in the branch of my tree. And who are your cousins Koala, Koala, And who are your cousins will you tell me? Wombats and possums, yes these are my cousins, For they are marsupials with pouches like me. Goodbye Koala, Koala, Koala, Goodbye Koala, asleep in your tree. (A Koala resting in the fork of a Eucalyptus tree) 17

22 ACTIVITES 1. Can you name all the animals, birds, fish and insects mentioned? We generally call plants and animals by their common name. Organisms can have many common names, depending on where you live. Some are so unknown that they don t even have a common name. To help us distinguish the organism further, we identify it by its species and genus, which are combined to form what s called a scientific name. For example: a River red gum can also be called a gum tree or a eucalypt tree as a common name - depending on how much we know about it, but the species is Eucalyptus and the type (or genus) of that species is camaldulensis. So, technically it is a Eucalyptus camaldulensis. There are lots more animals not mentioned in these songs. Can you think of some? Are they indigenous to Australia (originate and live here) or are they introduced (bought to Australia accidentally or on purpose). Sheep, cattle, camels, foxes, cats, rabbits and cane toads are all examples of introduced animals. How many carnivorous (meat-eating) mammals? How many monotremes (egg-laying mammals)? How many bats (flying mammals)? How many rodents (gnawing mammals)? How many marsupials (mammals with pouches)? How many birds? How many amphibians? How many insects? How many reptiles? How many fish? How many animals and insects not native to Australia? And just in case you think that s a lot of animals, here are some facts: Australia has 386 species of mammal, 828 species of bird, 917 species of reptile, 227 species of amphibian and 5,000 species of fish. Totalling 7,358 species of vertebrate (animals with backbones) animals. Reference: Arthur D Chapman Numbers of Living Species in Australia and the World. 2nd edition. Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Canberra, Australia. 2. Can you sing a song about the animals, birds, water creatures and insects that you see (or hear) when you walk in the bush, the countryside or National Parks around you. Even if you live in the city you will be amazed to discover who lives in the Botanical Gardens and your local park. Remember that some creatures are nocturnal, (active at night) so you could take a torch and go with your family and see who is out and about at sunset and at night. You may not see an animal but look for its tracks and scat (poo). 18

23 To write your own song, follow the I Went Walking songs or you can substitute with any of the following: I went walking in my yard I went walking in the park. I went walking in the garden. I went walking on the farm 3. Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is the language of the Deaf Community in Australia. Many of the Auslan signs for particular animals are gestural of the way the animal moves or looks. You can learn the signs at the Auslan Sign Bank. auslan.org.au See if you can sign the words for animals in the songs as you sing along. If you like you can also create your own dance moves to accompany the music. If you watch traditional Aboriginal dances you can see how the dancers can can become the animal they are dancing. 4. Poo Facts Animal poo has lots of different names, such as faeces, droppings and scat. Every living creature poos, but not very many eat their own poo. As you will have learnt in the Ringtail Possum Sonata, Ringtail Possums do, but only the soft poo they make in the daytime. However, they aren t the only poo-eating marsupial. For a few weeks before a baby koala (joey) comes out of its mother s pouch, when they are about six months old, they feed on a substance called pap, a runny mix of the mother s poo. This allows the mother to pass on micro-organisms from her intestine that enable the baby to digest gum leaves - (Eucalyptus leaves). Most animals can be identified from the shape, size and amount of their poo: pellets, balls, flat cakes, or tubular in shape, piled up or scattered about. But there is only one animal whose poo is cube-shaped. The wombat! The other important thing about wombat poo is where they do it, not usually on the ground which is where you would expect but up higher on logs and rocks, so that the smell will be able to travel further, thereby signifying their territory. 5. There are 4 traditional Aboriginal stories in my book Tell Me: Storytelling as a Global Language. Tiddalik (The Greedy Frog), Baiame s Gift (How the Kangaroo Got Her Pouch), Why the Platypus is Special and Kookaburra the Bush Alarm Clock. I have reprinted them here for you to enjoy. For more Aboriginal Dreaming stories visit your local public library or listen to a storyteller. There are Aboriginal storytellers sharing their culture all over Australia, in libraries, schools and communities. If you live in Australia then you have the opportunity to not only see the indigenous animals of this country but listen to the creation stories about them. 6. Here are additional resources to further your knowledge of Australia s natural environment. If you are interested in reading books written by children 19

24 about Australian animals, then go to the website of Enviro-Stories. They have published over 250 books, with 42 of them available on ibooks. Learn about flying foxes and get a flying fox education kit here: Friendly factsheets about Australian animals If you want to experience a guided walk in a Rainforest then go to Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in Port Macquarie, NSW. Rainforest-Centre A note about National Parks: A national park is a reserve of natural or seminatural land or water declared or owned by a government and set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, animal and environmental protection and restricted from most development. There are 145 marine protected areas in Australia and 516 national parks that cover 3.42 per cent of Australia s land surface (25.7 million ha). Interactive Map of Aboriginal Australia A note about Aboriginal Land and Traditional Owners: The traditional owners of Australia are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This land and its environment was managed, nurtured, protected and respected by Aboriginal people in a cyclical process of birth, death and renewal that is central to much of Aboriginal philosophy. For Aboriginal Australians the land is the core of all spirituality, identity and purpose. This relationship is central to all issues of importance to Aboriginal people today. The following four traditional Aboriginal stories are Wiradjuri stories. The Wiradjuri lands stretch from Morgan and Gilgandra in the north and down to the Murray River (Victorian border) in the south. The Wiradjuri are known as the people of three rivers because most of their traditional lands surrounded the Macquarie River (wambool), the Lachlan River (kalare) and the Murrumbidgee River (murrumbidjeri)- (from Tools Totems Tucker Education Kit, produced by 20

25 Tiddalik - A Wiradjuri Story In the time of the Dreaming there was a greedy, green frog called Tiddalik. It was a hot day and Tiddalik was thirsty. So thirsty, that he drank all the water in the land. First he drank all the water in the creeks. But he was still thirsty. Next he drank all the water in the rivers. Then he drank all the water in the billabongs. But he was still thirsty. Next he drank all the water in the lakes. But he was still thirsty. He even drank the water from the swamps and mud puddles until there wasn t a single drop of water left anywhere in the land. But he wasn t thirsty any more. He just sat in the sun like a giant, blobby balloon. He was so full of water he couldn t move. All the other animals gathered round him asking for a drink of water because they were so thirsty. But Tiddalik just sat there like a great big giant blob. The animals were worried. If they couldn t have a drink of water, they would die! Tiddalik had to let the water flow back into the creeks and rivers, billabongs and lakes or the land would die. But how? The wise owl had an idea. They would make Tiddalik laugh. Echidna was the first animal to try. She rolled herself up into a ball and rolled around the ground. Everyone thought she looked very funny and laughed. All except Tiddalik. Tiddalik didn t laugh. Next came Kangaroo who pretended to box. He struck out with his hind legs and his front paws and bounced upon his tail. Everyone thought he looked very funny and laughed. All except Tiddalik. Tiddalik didn t laugh. Then Kookaburra had a turn at telling a joke and couldn t stop herself from laughing. Kook kook gar gar, kook kook gar gar. Everyone thought it was very funny and laughed. All except Tiddalik. Tiddalik didn t laugh. Snake was the last one to have a turn. He stuck his tail in his mouth and rolled along like a wheel. Everyone thought it was very funny and laughed. All except Tiddalik. Tiddalik didn t laugh. Now the animals were very worried. If they couldn t make Tiddalik laugh then there would be no water and they would all die. Just then, who should come along to see if she could help, but Platypus. When Tiddalik saw Platypus, he grinned. For Platypus was a strange looking creature. She had a bill like a duck, feet that were webbed and fur. When she walked she wobbled. As Platypus came closer and closer to Tiddalik, the greedy green frog began to chuckle, deep in his throat. Soon he was laughing. And as he laughed, the water in his big, green belly began to slosh around and around. Soon Tiddalik was laughing from deep within his great, green belly. And the water began to tumble out his mouth and flow back into the creeks. Back into the rivers. Back into the billabongs. Back into the lakes. And everyone had a big, long drink to quench their thirst. 21

26 Kookaburra the Bush Alarm Clock - A Wiradjuri Story Notes: Kookaburra is a derivative of a Wiradjuri word naming the bird. In the the time of the Dreaming, the Earth was cloaked in darkness. It was night time all the time. Only the light of the moon and the twinkling of the stars illuminated the sky. Most of the time the animals slept but when they were awake they would bump into each other as they made their way across the land. When Dinewan the Emu knocked Brolga over, Brolga kicked her. Dinewan kicked back and soon the two big birds were fighting. In anger Brolga picked up one of Emu s eggs and threw it hard into the sky. It sailed through the air and smashed on to a heap of firewood the Sky Spirits had gathered together. The egg yolk spread over the sticks then burst into flames. The blaze lit up the sky and warmed the Earth below. The beauty of the world that was revealed to them entranced the Sky Spirits; the azure sky, the emerald sea, the red brown earth and the grey green trees. The animals were amazed to see each other in the light of day and most of them stayed awake to enjoy the brightness. Everyone was happy. And then the fire died down to a few red coals and finally went out. Darkness had returned. The Sky Spirits had a meeting and decided that the fire should be lit every day. They gathered sticks during the night and made big heap. They hung the Morning Star out as a sign that the fire would soon be kindled. They lit the fire but the animals continued to sleep on. What they needed was a sound to arouse the sleepers. The Sky Spirits came down to Earth and then they heard it. The raucous chorus of a flock of Kookaburras perched on the branches of eucalyptus trees and laughing at the dawn. Only the possums, bilbies, owls and bats slept through the noise. Kookaburra shall waken the world each day with his laughter, they said. And when its time for the fire to go out and the darkness of night to come, he can laugh again and wake up the ones who sleep during the day. And that is the way it has been ever since then. The Kookaburras laughter is the alarm clock of the Australian bush alerting everyone that a new day is beginning. And when the fire dies down each evening, and only a warm red glow is left in the sky the Kookaburra laughs again to welcome the evening. Why Platypus is Special A Wiradjuri Story Notes: The Dreaming or Alcheringa (a word from the Arrernte people who live in Central Australia) is the all-at-once time, in which the past, present and future coexist. There are many different language groups of indigenous Australians, but they all conceive of the Alcheringa as the time of creation. In the Alcheringa there were three groups of animals in Australia: those that moved on the land, like the kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies. There were those that flew in the sky, the birds, and there were the creatures that lived in the water, the fish, dugongs and eels. You may know the names of many more animals that belonged in these groups. All the living creatures were in one of these groups; 22

27 everyone except one creature. This animal belonged to none of the groups and each group wanted her to join theirs. Do you know who I m talking about? Platypus! The animals that moved on land said that Platypus was covered with fur just like Koala and Wombat and what s more she suckled her young. She fed them her own milk, so naturally Platypus should be with the land animals, many of whom were mammals, just like her. But Platypus said that she would tell them her decision tomorrow. Later that day the birds came to see Platypus and said that because she laid eggs and had a bill like a duck and webbed feet, she should be with them. But I can t fly like a bird, said Platypus. Neither can Emu, they said, but Emu is in our group. I shall give you my answer tomorrow, said Platypus and slipped back into the river. The water creatures swam up to her and said that she should be in their group because she built her home in the riverbank and spent all her day swimming in the water. But I don t have fins like a fish, said Platypus. I have fur. Eel doesn t have fins either, they said, but he is in our group. I shall tell you my decision tomorrow, she said and burrowed into her tunnel in the riverbank. It was a difficult decision for Platypus so she went to her friend Echidna and asked her advice. Echidna listened and smiled. I think you know what to decide, said Echidna as she gobbled down some ants. You re right, said Platypus, and said goodbye to her friend. The next day all three groups gathered together by the riverbank, eager to find out whether Platypus would join their group. We are all different in many ways, said Platypus, where we live, how we move, the sounds we make, how we give birth to our young and what we look like. But even though we have these differences we need to think about what we have in common. How are we similar to each other? Everyone listened as Platypus explained that she would join no group but be a reminder to everyone that even though they were divided into three groups, they all belonged to one group: the group of living breathing creatures, which we call the Animal Kingdom. Since that time Aboriginal people have always thought of Platypus as a special animal and they are protected in Australia. Platypus is a teacher who reminds us how special each and every one of us is. Even though we may be different to each other in the way we look, in the way we move, in the way we speak, in the way we live, we are all human beings. And every one of us is special. 23

28 Baiame s Gift or How the Kangaroo Got Her Pouch Notes: There are many hundreds of versions of this story that relate to the specific language groups of Aboriginal people in Australia. Like all traditional Aboriginal stories, this one has much to teach us. Baiame is a creational ancestral hero of several language groups of Aboriginal people in South Eastern Australia, including Wiradjuri, Gomeroi, Eora and Darkinjung. He is known as the 'father of all things'. A long time ago Mother Kangaroo didn t have a pouch. When she hopped over the hills and plains, her Joey, that s her baby had to hop along beside her. But because she had such big feet she could hop a long way in one bound, and her Joey could not keep up with her. Mother Kangaroo thought it wiser to settle her Joey at the foot of a gum tree while she went in search of food. One day Mother Kangaroo told Joey to wait near a clump of wattle trees, with strict instructions not to wander away. She would return after the sun was at its hottest and before it set. Joey was happy to rest in the shade of the wattles and was soon asleep. While Joey was sleeping Mother Kangaroo spied a patch of grass over the hill and hopped towards it, but stopped suddenly. In front of her was Wombat, shuffling towards his hole, but in pursuit of Wombat was a hunter with his spear raised, ready to kill the old fellow. Mother Kangaroo knew that Wombat rarely came out of his hole during the day. He was a nocturnal creature with poor eyesight, and he stood no chance against the cunning hunter. Straight away she bounded towards him, calling as she went, Quickly Wombat hide down your hole, the hunter is coming! Wombat shuffled faster towards his hole and the hunter turned to face Mother Kangaroo. Here is much better game, he thought, I will kill that Kangaroo instead. He then chased after her. Mother Kangaroo hopped as fast as she could, but the hunter was a strong runner. Over the hills and across the plains Mother Kangaroo hopped with the hunter running behind her. She didn t escape from him until she reached the mountains. By now the sun was making its slow descent in the West and Mother Kangaroo was a long way from her Joey. She drank some water from the creek and then began the long journey back. By the time she reached the wattle trees the sun had set, the moon was rising and Joey was nowhere in sight. Joey, she called, where are you? But there was no answer. Mother Kangaroo was anxious with worry. In the distance she heard a voice. It was her Joey and he was with Wombat. Mother, I m here with Wombat, he answered. And the pair shuffled over to Mother Kangaroo. Thank you for looking after my Joey, said Mother Kangaroo. Just then Wombat transformed himself into the Sky Spirit Baiame. Why are you here Baiame? asked Mother Kangaroo. 24

29 I am here to find the kindest animal on Earth, said Baiame, and disguised as Wombat I found you, a creature that risked her life to save mine. So now I am here to give you whatever reward you want. Mother Kangaroo thought for a while and then said, What I would like is a dilly bag to carry my Joey in, so that I don t ever have to leave him alone again. Baiame gave Mother Kangaroo a beautiful dilly bag that she wore around her neck. Joey climbed into it and now he felt warm and secure. Are you happy now? asked Baiame. No, said Mother Kangaroo. It is not fair that I should have a dilly bag when Mother Possum, Mother Koala and Mother Wallaby have nowhere safe to keep their babies. Then I shall give them all a dilly bag, said Baiame. Once again you have shown that you are the kindest animal by caring for others. And so the dilly bags that Baiame gave to the animals during the Dreaming grew onto the animals bodies and became pouches. In Australia today we call animals that have pouches marsupials. ABOUT MORGAN I am a storyteller, author and musician, born in the town of Tumbarumba, in Wiradjuri Country, and currently living in Port Macquarie, Birpai country. I am very grateful to the traditional owners of Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for the opportunity to learn about their culture and therefore gain some understanding of the flora and fauna (animals and plants) indigenous to Australia. I work with my husband, visual artist, Roman W. Schatz, who took the photographs for this book and did the sound engineering for the CD. Together we travel to schools and communities sharing songs, stories and art to teach about the importance of understanding and conserving our natural environment. All over the world, people are fascinated by Australian wildlife. These songs are a celebration of the unique and sometimes quirky lives of indigenous Australian animals. A note on the title of the CD: The word Cooee is a call used to attract attention in the bush and is of Aboriginal origin, coming from the Dharruk people who lived in the west of what is now Sydney. As well as being the searcher s call for people lost in the bush, cooee is a commonly used word in the Australian vernacular. A cooee determines whether anyone is about, as well as calling people to you. Please feel free to sing these songs to everyone who is within cooee! Morgan Schatz Blackrose 25

Australian Animals. Andrea Buford Arkansas State University

Australian Animals. Andrea Buford Arkansas State University Australian Animals Andrea Buford Arkansas State University Andrea.buford@smail.astate.edu Animals of Australia Many people visit Australia for its unique animals. Australia has more than 378 mammal species,