Currently, you have to travel all the way to Australia to see cute koalas. But soon that won’t be the case anymore! Ouwehands Zoo has a scoop. They are the first zoo and any location in the Netherlands to receive koalas. And: the relocation of the three koalas in total will take place this year. Aww!
First koalas in the Netherlands
So far, no koalas can be found in the Netherlands. This is because we don’t have Eucalyptus trees anywhere, something koalas need. So they would die in no time and of course we don’t want that. Although it is secretly a shame, because koalas, just like the Australian kangaroo and wallaby, are super cute animals. However, a trip to Australia is a big job and a major expense for Dutch people. But good news for all fans of koalas in this case: the sweet animal is coming to the Netherlands! OMG, what? Ouwehands Zoo has the scoop and will soon receive a total of three koalas. So cute!
Ouwehands Zoo
The koalas, two males and one female, do not come from Australia, but from the United States. They move from an animal park in San Diego to Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen. The Dutch zoo hopes to receive more koalas from Australia later. Of course, they already have a special enclosure for koalas. Heated climbing trees will be placed in the accommodation. However, the zoo is not yet sure whether the koalas will actually use this. In addition to koalas, there are also wallabies. Ooh!
Ouwehands Zoo also says that they will contribute to a special European breeding program. The koala is an endangered species. In Australia, for example, the number of koalas has unfortunately been greatly reduced due to forest fires, floods, but also deforestation and dehydration due to the changed climate. They hope to preserve the species with the breeding program.
When to visit?
The three koalas will arrive in the Netherlands this year. From April, the koalas will officially live in Ouwehands Zoo. However, they will remain in quarantine for a while after arrival. Then from April 25 you can visit the koalas and wallabies in Ouwehands Zoo.
