The World’s Largest Platypus Conservation Centre Has Opened in Dubbo, NSW

The world’s largest platypus conservation centre, dubbed ‘Platypus Rescue HQ’, has officially opened at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo NSW on Wiradjuri Country.

 

Platypus Rescue HQ is a $12.5 million centre, co-funded by the NSW Government, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and philanthropic donors. It combines a research centre to study platypus behaviour, rescue and rehabilitation facilities, and a pre-release area to prepare recovered platypus for release to the wild. The facility can host up to a whopping 65 platypuses during severe environmental events, such as droughts, bushfires or floods.

What’s in it for the visitors?

It also houses a public, purpose-built platypus habitat, where visitors will be able to see and learn more about this mysterious monotreme for the first time at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The habitat will provide behind-the-scenes insight into modern conservation and research.

Oh hey little guy!

Platypus v Climate Change

The platypus is one of the world’s last remaining monotremes (alongside the echidna). Platypuses, like other Aussie wildlife, are susceptible to the impacts of climate change and habitat loss.

‘Shy and enigmatic, platypus are the silent victims of climate change, with their decline largely hidden from public view,’ said Cameron Kerr, Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO.

‘This new, purpose-built facility will bring together global experts, paving the way to truly understand this cryptic species and ensure our emblem species can not only survive, but thrive in the wild’, he said.

Dive deep dude!

Cutting Edge Research

Platypus Rescue HQ will enable researchers, staff, and platypus-crazy people to refine the conservation strategy for these creatures by closing the knowledge gap across the species’ breeding behaviour, biology and genetics – something we know very little about.

Cutting edge research from the Platypus HQ will be delivered in partnership with the University of NSW’s Centre for Ecosystem Science thanks to support from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and WIRES – absolute legends!

Looks like I’ll be adding this to my NSW road trip itinerary!

Images thanks to Rick Stevens/ Taronga Zoo.