Joanna Klatten on her first trip to Australia

France’s Joanna Klatten and Americans Jaclyn Sweeney and Jessica Korda ventured to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this week during the Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters.

The three had a fantastic time, cuddling koalas, feeding kangaroos and getting up close and personal with some of the Australian native reptiles.

Klatten, who is on her first visit to the country was so excited when the visit was arranged and was thrilled to be see Australia’s iconic animals.   Both Korda and Klatten had seen kangaroos around the course during the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic but this experience was totally different.

All three got to hold a koala, which is permitted in Queensland but not in New South Wales before having photos taken.  “It was amazing, I loved it so much, thank-you for organising it, I had a wonderful time,” commented Klatten upon her return.

For Sweeney, the visit to the reptile section was a little daunting as she is afraid of snakes.  To her credit though and with a lot of encouragement from her fellow players she got up enough courage to hold a snake around her neck.   It was a very nerve racking experience for her.  

Korda, loved the all the animals and said “It was unreal, we had such a great time, I have always wanted to hold a koala and feed kangaroos!”