While the clash is a far-cry from the marsupial’s cute reputation, this behaviour is routine during mating season, when koalas come to blows over breeding.

Sydney Taronga Zoo koala keeper Laura Jones told Daily Mail Australia the male koala is making an unwanted advance on the female, who screams to tell him 'she isn't interested.'

From August to February, amorous male koalas often square off with competitors as well as disinterested females who reject their advances. 

The displaced animal crouches on her hind legs and howls in a heart-wrenching display

The female marsupial makes a last ditch effort to regain her lost territory, but to no avail

The larger koala sits proudly atop its newly claimed territory - but the female managed to reclaim the tree by nightfall