Category
International relations
Australia's four koala envoys - Paddle, Pellita, Chan and Idalia - have returned home to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, following their successful stay at Singapore Zoo.
Our koalas charmed almost one million visitors during their ten month visit where they were cared for in a purpose built koala exhibit.
Australia provided the four koalas to Singapore last year as our gift to mark the 50th anniversary of Australia-Singapore relations and Singapore's 50th year of independence.
Australia has been ranked sixth globally for soft power diplomacy* and initiatives such as our "Koala Diplomacy" demonstrate the potential to strengthen diplomatic relations and generate goodwill among the broader Singaporean public.
- Media release: Koala diplomacy as furry envoys return to Australia
Last Updated: 10 February 2016