Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen, in collaboration with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, has welcomed three koalas to their newly constructed habitat named "Koalia." This marks a significant event as these koalas are not only the first to set foot on Dutch soil but are also the only koalas in the Netherlands.
Koalas, listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List and classified as "endangered" by Australia, are part of global management programs aimed at protecting the species and ensuring genetic diversity. After being collected by an animal caretaker from Ouwehands Zoo who traveled to the San Diego Zoo, the koalas underwent training before being transported via KLM Cargo from Los Angeles to Amsterdam.
Upon arrival, they were cared for at KLM's animal hotel at Schiphol Airport, cleared through customs, and underwent health checks before their final journey to Ouwehands Zoo. The koalas will now need time to acclimate to their new environment before "Koalia" opens to the public on April 25th, offering visitors the chance to observe these unique animals.
