1952

In 1952, the Australian government granted Hollywood a loan of four koalas for the film Botany Bay, with the stipulation that when they were not needed on set, they would live at the San Diego Zoo. Once filming was over, Australian officials made a gift of the koalas to the Zoo. They are seen here with Belle Benchley, veterinarian Dr. Glen Crosbie (center), and general curator Ken Stott, Jr.