Ocean Park prepares for arrival of South Australian koalas

Hong Kong theme park Ocean Park has revealed details about the upcoming opening of their new Koala exhibit.

Set to open in March this year, Ocean Park’s much-anticipated attraction Adventures in Australia will offer park guests the opportunity to encounter the the iconic Australian species in an exhibit that will include southern koalas, red-necked wallabies and laughing kookaburras.

In a recent event at which details of the koalas’ journey from South Australia to Hong Kong was unveiled, Ocean Park highlighted how the exhibit will deepen understanding about animal conservation in Australia and raise awareness concerning the ecology of their natural habitat.

The exhibit, which will be the home of eight koalas gifted by the Government of South Australia, will feature the tree-living marsupials will feature interpretive displays, interactive presentations and narrations on topics ranging from the natural history and conservation status of koalas to Australia's flora and fauna, geography, culture and more.

The transfer of the koalas began last year at the Cleland Conservation Park, in the Adelaide Hills with the koalas allowed an extended period ahead of their relocation.

First announced in 2011, the intervening years have given Ocean Park the time to design and build a world-class koala compound and time to grow some of the eucalyptus species that koalas eat.

As eucalyptus is not native to southern China, a 1.3-hectare plantation has been established in Guangzhou to provide for the needs of the koalas. In accordance with the Australian Government's export permit requirement, 1,000 eucalyptus trees were planted for each koala to secure a sustainable browse supply.

The entire plantation will eventually house 8,000 eucalyptus trees and be equipped with an advanced irrigation system to supply water to the trees and prevent fires.

In addition, a farm with 250 trees will also be set up at The Summit area (pictured above) in Ocean Park for contingent requirements.

For more information visit www.oceanpark.com.hk/html/en/home/

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