SYDNEY, Australia, JULY 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- During Benedict XVI's visit Down Under he got what every tourist hopes for, a chance to see the unique animals residing in Australia.
Taronga Zoo outfitted its Zoo Mobile today in Sydney with animals such as a koala bear and a carpet python, and headed to the Kenthurst Study Center for a private audience with the Pope."We wanted to offer the Holy Father an opportunity to experience some of Australia's unique fauna, and were delighted when our partners at Taronga Zoo offered to help," said Father Mark Podesta, World Youth Day spokesman.
"The Holy Father expressed that he wanted to meet some of our native animals, so we were more than happy to offer him this experience," he said. Other animals presented to the Pontiff included a red-necked wallaby, shingle back lizards, a parrot, a possum, a baby crocodile, an echidna and a kangaroo.The Pope patted each of the animals and thanked the team from Taronga Zoo.
Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, explained in a press conference today that it is a tradition in Australia to show visitors the richness of the island's fauna."They proposed to the Pope, as they sometimes do, to take the koala in his arms," added the spokesman, "but the Pope responded saying that it was more secure in the arms of its care keeper."
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