Source: www.expo2010.cn

05-11-2009 15:28

Special Report:   2010 Shanghai Expo Countdown

Australia yesterday unveiled its official mascot for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo - a kookaburra – in Shanghai and invited Chinese people to propose an appropriate name for the Australian bird.

Haibao and kookaburra

The winner will receive a free seven-day trip for three people to Australia.

"Clever, confident, and resourceful with a cheeky sense of humor, the kookaburra reflects well the personality of the Australian people," said Peter Tesch, commissioner-general for the Australia Pavilion.

"We wanted to showcase a uniquely Australian animal that was less well-known to Chinese people, thereby demonstrating the depth and diversity of Australia - its people, its achievements and its culture."

Hua Junduo, China's commissioner general for World Expo 2010, said he can still remember the unique tweet of kookaburra every morning while he was on a trip to Australia. It represents the good friendship of two nations, he added.