The great interstate platypus exchange

Issued: 19 Jan 2024

The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) have exchanged platypuses to bolster the population and enhance public education for the species.

Wally, a ten-year-old platypus from David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold  Coast, is being loaned to Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria to share his genetics as part of the platypus national species conservation program.

In a full-circle moment, Healesville Sanctuary is where Dr David Fleay first bred platypus 1943.

David Fleay Wildlife Park Ranger Claudette Merrick said Wally’s introduction to the program plays a significant role in platypus conservation efforts and is a testament to Dr Fleay’s legacy.

“Not only does Wally get to experience mating, which is a natural behaviour, but he also is contributing to the species research program which Dr Fleay significantly contributed to,” Ranger Claudette said.

“Wally’s move to find a mate will help diversify the gene pool, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy population.”

Wally was flown from the Gold Coast to Victoria on 13 December 2023, in a purpose-built crate designed to keep his body temperature below 20 degrees. He has since settled into his new habitat and is being introduced to a female platypus.

Male platypus, Tarrabi [pron: Ta-ra-bee] and female, Waddirrang [pron: Wadd-e-rang], arrived in Queensland on 16 December 2023.

Healesville Sanctuary Platypus Specialist Dr Jessica Thomas said the collaboration provides more opportunity for breeding and learning about how platypus breed.

“Breeding platypuses require a large space to live in which limits the number of pairs we can have. This partnership will provide the opportunity for more animals to be bred so we can study the behaviours and breeding strategies of more individuals,” Dr Thomas said.

Waddirrang will call the David Fleay Wildlife Park home on the Gold Coast and Tarrabi will live at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at The Gap in Brisbane where they are both enjoying their new homes in the Sunshine State and will continue to inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers.