The First Tourist Cuddles A Koala

PORT DOUGLAS, Australia (AllPolitics, Nov. 22) -- President Bill Clinton cuddled a koala and fed kangaroos at a game reserve today, winding up his Australian vacation. Next stop: The Philippines trade summit. (896K QuickTime movie)

The president and first lady also visited Australia's Great Barrier Reef for some snorkeling, but a press boat was kept far out of camera range. Secret Service agents were said to have carried spear guns in case of sharks. Clinton's only official appearance of the day was for a pro-environment speech.

"We must preserve the natural resources that God has given us," Clinton said during a talk at a beachfront park. "We must care for our shared environment." He called for more international cooperation to work against ozone depletion and global warming.

At a wildlife sanctuary, the president got to hold a baby koala named Chelsea for his daughter; actually, he held a larger stuffed koala to which the baby clung. "Chelsea, I like it," Clinton said. Said Mrs. Clinton: "I had no idea how soft it would be."

Clinton will go on to the Philippines for the Asian-Pacific trade summit, then stops in Thailand for a day before returning to Washington, D.C., the day before Thanksgiving.

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The First Tourist Cuddles A Koala

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