South Australia will soon be bidding bon voyage to four of the State’s newest environmental and tourism mascots.
Four koalas from the Cleland Wildlife Park are this week being placed into quarantine before heading to their new homes in a $5 million purpose built exhibition centre at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park.
Minister for Environment and Sustainability Ian Hunter said the transfer of the four koalas to Hong Kong would help enhance South Australia’s reputation as a clean, green tourist destination.
“This is an amazing coup for South Australia and will provide the State with exceptional tourism and cultural benefits,” Minister Hunter said.
He said the transfer has been three years in the making – and was the result of extensive planning undertaken by the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Cleland Wildlife Park staff; Ocean Park Hong Kong; State and Federal Governments; and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
“For all intents and purposes, the Cleland National Park environment has been recreated at Ocean Park,” he said.
“Eucalyptus trees have been planted there and every effort has been made to ensure the koalas will be comfortable in their new home.
“With more than seven-million people visiting Ocean Park each year, this is an exciting new opportunity to promote South Australia to the Hong Kong and Chinese markets.”
The four koalas – 1 male and three females – will remain in quarantine for 45 days before being taken to Hong Kong.
A second group of koalas is also expected to be sent to Hong Kong in the next two years.
Minister Hunter said the transfer of the koalas would further enhance Cleland’s reputation internationally, and support growth in visitor numbers to the popular attraction.
“Last financial year, Cleland recorded a ten per cent increase in visitor numbers – from 106,250 people to 117,412 in 2013-14,” he said.
“Around a quarter of those visitors have come from overseas.
“Cleland remains popular locally as well - with nearly two thirds of visitors coming from South Australia.
“That’s a fantastic result for the Cleland Wildlife Park and I look forward to seeing our newest ambassadors – these four koalas – generate even more interest in the Park.”
