Mackenzie the Platypus at Platypus Rescue HQ. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego- A world-first research program aiming to conserve the iconic Platypus is now underway on Dundullimal Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri Country at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia.
The multi-year project is a collaboration between Taronga Conservation Society Australia, which operates Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo and Taronga Zoo Sydney, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of NSW (UNSW).
In consultation with First Nations communities, a team of scientists seeking to learn more about these unique egg-laying mammals has launched the first-of-its-kind research program to improve conservation of the species – before it’s too late.
Four new platypuses have joined Platypus Rescue HQ at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, providing a unique opportunity to study the species’ breeding behaviour and biology in a state-of-the-art setting where environmental parameters can be monitored and controlled.
Prior to their arrival, and as part of the Zoo’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, a Smoking Ceremony was performed by Traditional Owner, Tubba-Gah Maing Wiradjuri man Uncle Lewis Burns, to signify the connection of Wiradjuri Peoples to Country.
The research program, which combines ex-situ monitoring and wild population field work, aims to refine the conservation strategy for the Platypus by understanding how this vulnerable and elusive monotreme is responding to environmental stressors like climate change, and identifying interventions required to protect the animal’s future.
“The Platypus is such a loved and iconic Australian animal, but there is still so much we need to learn about them if we want to help them thrive into the future,” said Program co-leader, Wildlife Conservation Officer, Dr Phoebe Meagher.
Platypus Rescue HQ. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
“Understanding the key factors leading to reproductive success and how platypus respond to extreme climatic events like severe drought are crucial knowledge gaps we plan to fill.
“Taronga’s ongoing consultation with Traditional Custodians and local Knowledge Holders is building strong connections and trust between Taronga across our two zoos, our partners and Indigenous peoples in caring for Country.”
During the last significant drought in 2019, Taronga and UNSW led a successful emergency rescue of platypuses. With a 21% overall decline in the species’ geographic range and a further 40% anticipated decline over the next 50 years, this event highlighted the urgent need for more research on climate impacts and triggers for wild interventions.
In February 2024, Taronga opened Platypus Rescue HQ, thanks to funding from the NSW Government, philanthropic donors and WIRES. This facility is the world’s largest dedicated conservation centre for platypus, with the capacity to house up to 65 platypuses at once in times of extreme weather events, and encompasses areas for refuge, research and recovery.
“We hope that the refuge area inside Platypus Rescue HQ never needs to be used, but with increasing impacts of climate change and extreme weather we now have the capacity to undertake emergency rescue interventions,” said Taronga Cultural Programs Coordinator Kirsty Hargraves.
“This is important for Indigenous Communities, their ancestral connection to Country and to ensure connection to cultural identity for future generations. These animals are crucial to our heritage and the Wiradjuri story. They are our ancestors and if we look after our ancestors, we’ll always look after Country.
“The Smoking Ceremony was also Ngunggiyarra, to make a promise to the ancestor being, Platypus and to foster good intention moving forward, promoting partnerships and pathways for First Nations peoples and communities to be able to continue to practice Country through Taronga Western Plains Zoo conservation projects.”
Equipped with independent stream systems, waterfalls, and plenty of space to dig cozy burrows, Platypus Rescue HQ’s purpose-built research facility is designed to mimic the wild and allow researchers to monitor the platypuses in the most natural setting possible.
After completing quarantine and passing their health checks with flying colours, the four new platypuses will make up the first breeding population at Platypus Rescue HQ.
By using this facility in combination with wild population monitoring, scientists believe they will be best prepared to inform Taronga’s future emergency response strategies, and develop a genome resource bank and genetics database to better understand and protect wild platypus populations.
Crucially, the program aims to crack the code on platypus breeding, with only 23 puggles produced in zoos since 1943, and many of the physiological, behavioural, and environmental factors that lead to reproductive success or failure remaining unknown.
“In 2019-2020, we saw just how vulnerable platypus are to prolonged drought, megafires and floods, which are only going to become more common as a result of a changing climate,” said Taronga and UNSW research associate Dr Tahneal Hawke.
“This project will also monitor wild platypus populations over a range of environmental conditions, improving understanding of when interventions might be necessary and the species’ breeding requirements.
“This project is really exciting because now, in collaboration with our partners, we have a unique opportunity to work out what we can actually do about it, and how we can improve the future for Platypus.”
“Platypuses play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their native watersheds and uniquely contribute to our planet’s biodiversity,” said Dr Hendrik Nollens, vice president of Wildlife Health with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
“Their charismatic nature makes them influential ambassadors for wildlife, which faces urgent threats from climate change.
“Partnerships like these unlock opportunities that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, enabling us to share knowledge and expertise. Together, we strive towards the same overarching goals—advancing conservation efforts to ensure a brighter future for the platypus.”