The Wildlife Habitat and local residents have donated 200 soft toy koalas to a tsunami affected kindergarten in northern Japan.

The koalas will go to the children at a small Kindergarten run by the Soto Zen religion in their Daiouji Temple in the heavily affected Minami Sanriku region.

The Koalas have been donated by the visitors and staff of the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, each with its own personal message.

Since the tsunami the number of children at the kindergarten has dropped from 150 to about 85.

Wildlife Habitat General Manager, Garry Sullivan, said these little furry animals could put a big smile on some Japanese kids’ faces.

“Having worked as a volunteer after the 2005 Tsunami in Sri Lanka, I have witnessed personally what human good will can do.

"This is why we have decided to send 200 koalas to some of the kids in Japan, not just as a toy but more a reminder to them, that other people in the world do care and are feeling their pain.”

The koalas will arrive at their destination in the next two weeks. 

Missed a story? Check out our extensive News Archive.