International pop sensation Kelly Clarkson spent her first day in Australia at the weekend with a visit to Symbio Wildlife Park on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The intimate experience with Australian native wildlife was so good Clarkson's plan for a short visit of around 90 minutes turned into a day of adventure at the small family-run zoo that lasted more than four hours.
She was joined by baby River Rose and much of her family, including husband Brandon Blackstock.
They had such a good time she later posted photos and wrote on social media it was the "best day ever".
In another post she wrote "check this place out" and "more good times at #Symbiozoo. River loves animals"!
Clarkson has just released her seventh album and is playing a show at Star City this Friday but spending time with family is coming first.
Symbio Wildlife Park marketing and creative services manager Kevin Fallon said the visit had been organised by Sony Music Entertainment, who had made contact with the park a few months ago. Mr Fallon said Sony Music had recently hosted another overseas entertainer, who had just signed with the record label, to test the waters.
"Based on that experience, they were comfortable we could host Kelly Clarkson," he said.
Mr Fallon said Symbio had shown that it could offer privacy to such a big star and in Clarkson's case she was so relaxed and comfortable she went up to and introduced herself to other park visitors.
He said Clarkson and baby River were both absolutely besotted by the koalas.
The family group of about 10 went from the koalas to a shingle back lizard, wombat, alligator, python, red pandas, Sumatran Tigers, possums and reptiles.
But it was in the kangaroo sanctuary where Clarkson requested many family group photos be taken. They were particularly excited to see a joey come out of its mother's pouch.
"Originally they were only going to be here an hour and a half but they absolutely loved it," Mr Fallon said.
"They felt so comfortable and enjoyed themselves so much they stayed close to four-and-a-half hours."
Mr Fallon said Clarkson and her group were all very down to earth and approachable and did not request any special treatment.
For lunch they only wanted sandwiches and hot chips.
"They were very relaxed," he said.
