WIRES helps Platypus Analysis Facility
Opened in 2024, Platypus Rescue HQ is the biggest purpose-built platypus conservation centre on the earth, devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation, analysis, and conservation of this distinctive native species.
Able to housing as much as 65 injured or displaced platypuses, the state-of-the-art facility helps crucial analysis into platypus well being and breeding, delivered in partnership with the College of NSW’s Centre for Ecosystem Science, due to assist from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and WIRES. This analysis will assist inform long-term conservation methods, together with the creation of insurance coverage populations for future reintroductions.
WIRES contributed over $1 million in operational funding to convey this groundbreaking challenge to life, serving to to safe a future for one in every of Australia’s most iconic and susceptible species.
To be taught extra about this crucial work, we spoke with Platypus Keeper Tyler, who gave us an insider’s have a look at what it takes to take care of such a singular animal — and why this challenge issues now greater than ever.
Meet Tyler – Platypus Keeper and Wildlife Advocate
Platypus Rescue HQ is dwelling to 5 platypuses, together with Mackenzie, a Zoo-born ambassador animal, and 4 wild people which are a part of the analysis program.
Tyler’s day-to-day obligations are diversified and hands-on: “I handle all the pieces from feeding and cleansing to behavioural monitoring and habitat upkeep. I additionally monitor social interactions and exercise patterns—particularly throughout breeding season—to assist analysis into platypus behaviour and welfare. It’s an extremely rewarding job.”
Tyler’s ardour for wildlife started in childhood: “I’ve had a ardour for wildlife for so long as I can keep in mind. Rising up, I spent quite a lot of time within the bush with my dad, the place I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the unbelievable animals that decision Australia dwelling.
“Working with the platypus — a uncommon and iconic species discovered nowhere else on the earth — and being a part of a challenge that seeks to deepen our understanding whereas additionally selling their conservation has been really inspiring. I additionally love serving to folks join with the distinctive wildlife we’re so lucky to have in Australia.”
The Platypus: A One-of-a-Type Species
So, what makes the platypus so particular?
For starters, they’re one in every of solely 5 monotreme species — egg-laying mammals — which already locations them in uncommon firm. “They lay eggs, produce milk with out teats, and have electro-sensitive payments that may detect prey underwater. It’s an odd mixture of mammal, chicken, and reptile traits,” Tyler says.
Feminine platypuses lay 1-3 leathery eggs and incubate them of their burrows. As soon as hatched, the ‘puggles’ stay within the burrow for 110 days for additional improvement. Throughout that point, the mom produces milk which seep by way of pores in her pores and skin on her abdomen. The puggles lap it up from grooves on her stomach.
They’re solitary and nocturnal, residing in freshwater rivers or creeks and burrows alongside the banks. Platypuses forage underwater by closing their eyes, ears, and nostrils, utilizing as much as 40,000 electroreceptors of their payments to find prey like insect larvae, worms, and freshwater crustaceans.
“Their foraging method is superb. They scoop up meals and stones, retailer it in cheek pouches, and grind it later utilizing the stones. Additionally, the males are venomous—they’ve spurs on their hind legs, which they use to battle different males for territory, particularly throughout breeding season. There actually isn’t any different animal like them.”
Why Are Platypuses at Danger?
Regardless of their lengthy evolutionary historical past, platypuses are actually dealing with a really unsure future.
Habitat destruction, launched predators like foxes, canines and cats, unlawful yabby traps, and worsening local weather occasions are all main threats. City enlargement and land clearing harm rivers and take away vegetation wanted for burrows. In the meantime, drought, hearth, and flood are disrupting total ecosystems.
These environmental stressors make it tough for platypus populations to thrive, particularly in areas the place pure habitats are already underneath pressure. With hotter temperatures, longer droughts and extra frequent bushfires, platypus habitat is change into extra unstable. Drying rivers go away platypus stranded with out meals, and bushfires impression water high quality. Local weather modelling predicts vital inhabitants declines in platypus populations over the following 50 years due to a altering local weather.
“Solely 21 platypuses have ever been bred in captivity worldwide,” says Tyler. “Our hope is that by learning them intently on this surroundings, we’ll unlock new data that may inform future breeding and restoration packages.
“Guests also can see our resident ambassador platypus Mackenzie and study conservation in motion. Educating the general public is a crucial step in defending this distinctive species from threats like local weather change and habitat loss.”
How does your work right here contribute to the survival of the species within the wild?
Every day monitoring of animal well being, behaviour and habitat situations is crucial for getting ready rescued platypuses for re-release and for gathering the info wanted to tell wild conservation methods.
I additionally work intently with scientists and vets to assist analysis into breeding, local weather resilience, and illness prevention.
What a Day within the Life Appears Like
Tyler’s typical day begins with sustaining optimum water high quality throughout a number of swimming pools—checking pH ranges, filtration, and oxygenation. “Sustaining pristine water high quality is crucial—it needs to be cool, clear, well-oxygenated, and continuously flowing to imitate pure creek techniques.”
Then comes reviewing in a single day footage to observe behaviour. “In contrast to most preserving roles, mine may be very palms off. Since they’re nocturnal, we depend on CCTV to see after they wake, work together, and feed. This offers us essential insights into their well being and social dynamics.”
Feeding can be a science. Platypuses require a high-protein, reside weight loss program, which incorporates yabbies, worms, and bug larvae. “We breed our personal meals right here on the zoo. It’s not glamorous, nevertheless it’s important. Every platypus has a personalised weight loss program, and we scatter their meals to encourage pure foraging. Every little thing we do is guided by a concentrate on welfare, enrichment, and understanding extra about this elusive species.”
Participating with the general public is one other essential a part of the position. “I speak to guests concerning the significance and safety methods for this distinctive species,” she says. “In the end, our work right here strengthens the protection internet for wild platypus populations dealing with growing threats.”
Personalities Beneath the Floor
Regardless that platypuses are elusive, they every have distinct personalities.
“Our wild people have been shy at first, however they’re turning into extra lively and assured,” Tyler notes. “Mackenzie, our ambassador, is a standout. He was born in human care and may be very curious and comfy together with his surroundings. He’ll usually be lively in the course of the day and even save his favorite meals for later!”
Understanding these behavioural patterns helps employees tailor care, enrichment, and feeding schedules to every animal’s distinctive preferences.
A Imaginative and prescient for the Future
“I wish to see secure, wholesome and linked platypus populations that may thrive regardless of local weather challenges. Meaning defending rivers, restoring habitats, and persevering with this important analysis.”
She encourages on a regular basis Australians to become involved: “Each motion counts—cut back chemical run-off, keep away from single-use plastics, assist habitat restoration. And speak concerning the platypus. The extra individuals who care, the stronger the motion to guard them.”
A Name to Motion
The platypus has survived for thousands and thousands of years, however right now, its destiny is dependent upon what we do subsequent.
Due to the efforts of zookeepers like Tyler, and the cutting-edge work being completed at Platypus Rescue HQ, there’s renewed hope for the species. However conservation doesn’t finish on the zoo gates—it’s one thing all of us have a job in.
As Tyler places it: “If we work collectively, we can provide future generations the possibility to see a platypus within the wild, not simply in a zoo.
“Platypus reside items of evolutionary historical past and are distinctive to our a part of the world. It might be a tragedy to lose them. If we work collectively, we are able to defend their future.
“They’ve survived for thousands and thousands of years; it’s our job to assist them survive the following hundred!”
Photos equipped by Taronga Western Plains Zoo and rick Stevens
