Platypuses Were Reintroduced To The Royal National Park In Sydney For The First Time In Five Decades

The duck-billed platypus is a rather interesting creature that may not be seen often, but they are well known. Their fame tends to come from their unique appearance, and how they tend to translate well into jokes and cartoons.

If you happen to live in Australia, however, seeing a duckbilled platypus may not be quite such an interesting occurrence. That doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate them, and when they disappear from an area, we have concerns.

Photo: YouTube/ABC News (Australia)

According to ABC News, this happened at an Australian National Park back in the 1970s. At that time, a chemical spill occurred on the Princes Highway, and the animals seem to disappear from the national park.

This is changing, however, thanks to efforts put forth by the University of New South Wales, WWF-Australia, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Photo: YouTube/ABC News (Australia)

In an effort to reintroduce the species to the park, they released five female platypus with a group of males. Conservationists are hoping that the platypuses will thrive. To ensure that they are doing well, they will track each of the platypus for the next two years.

According to ABC News, Rob Brewster of WWF-Australia said they are interested in seeing if the platypus survived. If they do well, they would establish burros and we would see a new generation, at which point they would start spreading out.

Photo: YouTube/ABC News (Australia)

He also said how exciting it was to see the platypus coming back to the park. It will give people in the area an opportunity to come to enjoy, what he called, an amazing animal.

Check out the video below:

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