4 koalas from Australia arrive at Singapore Zoo

SINGAPORE - Four female koalas from Australia have arrived at the Singapore Zoo for a temporary six-month stay.

The furry animals named Chan, Idalia, Paddle and Pellita were flown to Singapore on April 13 from their home in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane.
 
They are now housed in the zoo's quarantine facility where they will remain for a month.

The koala exhibit is expected to be open to public in late May, with a grand housewarming party and a series of activities planned to celebrate their arrival.
 
Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: "We are ecstatic to host the koalas for the next six months. These lovely creatures are excellent animal ambassadors for Australia, offering a peek into the biodiversity of eucalyptus forests."
 
The quartet is a gift from Australia to Singapore on the occasion of Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence, and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore.

ljessica@sph.com.sg