In 1925, a momentous event took place that gave the little San Diego Zoo international attention: the arrival of koalas. They came with other Australian animals, a first for the United States. This feat was the culmination of more than a year of phone discussions and negotiations with the directors of the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. It required a long sea voyage undertaken by then San Diego Zoo director Tom Faulconer and included negotiating with displeased ship captains; raging storms and seasick animals; and even an alligator that got loose and took a stroll on deck, much to the dismay of the terrified passengers!