Australia sends koala envoys to Singapore
Media release from Foreign Minister's Office
Thursday 9 April 2015
Australia will send four koalas to Singapore to further build on our long-standing constructive relationship, as part of events that mark the 50th anniversary of Australia-Singapore diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence.
The koalas will be lent to the internationally acclaimed Singapore Zoo for six months, where they will reside in a world class, purpose-built koala exhibit. The gift will be made permanent when Singapore Zoo can support a koala colony.
The loan symbolises the warm ties between Singapore and Australia and I look forward to an official koala handover to Singapore Zoo when I visit in May.
Exclusive partner airline Qantas Airways will transport the koalas to and from Singapore, and take supplies of fresh eucalyptus twice weekly to Singapore Zoo for the duration.
Lone Pine Sanctuary in Brisbane has played a crucial role in supplying the koalas, sharing expert knowledge and helping Singapore Zoo prepare for the koalas to go on show.
Singapore is a key Australian partner in trade, investment, defence and security. Later this year, our two countries will formalise a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to further deepen our cooperation and collaboration over the next decade.
To read the media release in Foreign Minister's website, please visit: http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2015/jb_mr_150409.aspx?ministerid=4