Koalas settle at new home
PERCHED between two branches of a gum tree, a pair of koalas doze in the heat of the day.
Occasionally one animal will wake to chew on a leaf or two, before dropping its head and returning to slumber.
This relaxing routine has been the scene at Darling Downs Zoo for the past five weeks, since the business welcomed Ted and Honey to the growing brood.
Zoo owner Stephanie Robinson said the koalas had been well received by visitors.
"The kids just love them and they've been popular with overseas visitors too," she said.
"We hope to get them used to people so visitors can get close to see them."
At the moment 10-year-old Ted decides when he wants visitors, giving people a small push when he wants alone time.
Mrs Robinson said the staff was trying to accustom him to humans.
"A lot of people would love to have their picture with the koalas, especially some of our Japanese tourists," she said.
"We're just patting him a lot and getting him used to us."
Ned and Honey arrived at Pilton from zoos in New South Wales.
Mrs Robinson said there was good reason for the long sleeping habits.
"It takes a long time to digest eucalyptus leaves, so that's why they sleep a lot."
"They're not nocturnal animals but it might seem so," she said.
