Four koalas arrive in Thailand’s northern province

CHIANG MAI, Nov 22 (TNA) – Chiang Mai Zoo on Wednesday welcomes two pairs of koalas sent to Thailand from Australia.

Zoo visitors will be allowed to view the animals in the next two weeks after the koalas adjust themselves to the new environment.

Chiang Mai Zoo has spent about five million baht to build a new home which includes an outdoor compound and an air-conditioned room for the four Australian natives. The zoo has also grown Eucalyptus trees in the enclosed compound to create an environment similar to their natural habitat.

The four koalas, the first ever for Thailand, had been kept under quarantine for 45 days before leaving Australia.

The new visitors are additional highlights for the zoo which has proudly been the home of two pandas from China. The zoo has earned about 16 million baht since the two pandas were on display from late 2003.

The zoo is scheduled to complete the construction of elevated trains in its compound early next year. The new transport service will cater to tourists to reduce pollution inside the zoo where all vehicles will be banned from entering in the future.

TNA