WA koalas make their way to Japan

17/3/03
Four mature Western Australian-bred koalas began a journey to Japan today, a gift arranged by Premier Geoff Gallop for Sister State Hyogo Prefecture.
The koalas - three females and a male, all bred at Yanchep National Park - were put on a flight to Japan after completing a 45-day quarantine period.
The State Government offered the koalas to the Awaji Farm Park tourist facility on Awaji Island, which has an established koala colony and other Australian native animals.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said the gift would prove popular and enhance the already strong economic and cultural bonds between Hyogo Prefecture and WA.
"At Awaji, the koalas will be in a first-class indoor facility that has been developed over the last 15 years," Dr Edwards said.
"As the park's first WA-bred koalas, they will add important diversity to the colony's breeding program, as well as its research work.
"The State Government is delighted to present this gift on behalf of all Western Australians, knowing that the Japanese people's great love of koalas will ensure it is a successful gesture of goodwill."
The koala colony at Yanchep National Park was first established in 1938 and has long been popular with Japanese tourists, in particular.
Dr Edwards said the park's ranger-in-charge, John Wheeler, was travelling with the koalas to Japan and would help them settle into their new home.
Mr Wheeler has been preparing the four animals for about six months. They have completed a required 45-day quarantine period, in which they have been isolated from the Yanchep colony.
Minister's office: 9220 5050