![]() The majority of the puggle’s day consists of sleeping. It is still developing, but moving around on its wobbly legs and using its sharp claws to dig into the ground for balance. ![]() Birra and Eve are ready to do their part-just don’t ask Eve to pitch in too early.The now four-month-old puggle is now “gaining strength and thriving,” according to the a press release from the San Diego Zoo Global. The goal is to secure populations in at least three natural catchment areas, and gather information that will help guide protection efforts to ensure that platypuses will be swimming in their ecosystems for generations to come. ![]() A collaborative team is using a new technology called environmental DNA (eDNA) to map the distribution of and threats to five fish species and the platypus. As part of discovering more about this unique animal, San Diego Zoo Global supports a cutting-edge conservation effort in southeastern Australia that benefits six endemic species, including the platypus. Water Loggedīirra and Eve are here to represent their species and help people learn about their lifestyle and aquatic habitat. Platypuses store fat for energy in their tails. Meredith Clancy notes that Eve’s TVI-tail volume index-revealed that her fat storage and weight maintenance are right on target. A wellness exam in early December 2019 found them to be “doing exceptionally well.” Veterinarian Dr. And when they catch something, they smash it against the rocks to kill it.”īirra and Eve are apparently quite skilled at snapping up what’s offered. They rely on sensitive electroreceptors in their bill to find their food. “When they dive, they close their eyes and ears, and hold their breath. “Platypuses are swift and impressive hunters in the water,” Luis says. The keepers clean the platypuses’ pool, and it’s up to them to serve “dinner.” The crayfish and other live prey are released into the pool, and the hunters go to work. “While they’re still sleeping, we put on chest-high waders and get to work,” Luis says. Luis notes that we had to find a reliable crayfish supplier in order to make sure Birra and Eve would have food to hunt. Birra and Eve dine on crayfish, mealworms, earthworms, fly pupae, and fly larvae, in what Lori calls “a mix of their favorite foods.” Like their wild relatives, Birra and Eve depend on water for finding food, and the animal care staff do their best to mimic the platypuses’ diet in the wild. “As long as it’s on her time.” Eve is also more chatty than Birra, greeting her keepers with hissy-growl vocalizations when they check on her in her nest box.Ĭlick here to make a difference for platypuses and other Australian animals that have been devastated by the bushfires. Luis agrees, adding that while the male is a “sleep on top of the covers guy” who’s ready to go as soon as he sees his keepers at 6 a.m., “Eve likes to sleep in, all cozy,” he says. “Birra’s more relaxed with his keepers, but more active,” Lori says. Millsberg Platypus Habitat, it was easy to tell the two animals apart by their behavior alone. It was so rewarding.” Rise and Shine, or Five More Minutes?įrom their first days in Walkabout Australia’s new Nelson A. “They might have spent two hours or so in the nesting boxes, and then it was right into the pool.” Luis adds, “They hunted right away,” noting what a good sign that was. Once the animals arrived at the Safari Park, it was time to see if all the hard work paid off. “I was surprised at how different these two are from each other. “It’s part of the protocol to get to know each individual animal,” she says. Lori has gotten to know her new charges pretty well, as she also spent several weeks at Taronga Zoo prior to their trip here, learning husbandry practices particular to the species. It’s the first time in 50 years that platypuses have been seen outside of Australia, and Safari Park animal care staff wanted to make sure the relocation process went off without a hitch. Platypuses hunt in shallow water running over rocks, and the Park’s habitat mimics that environment.īirra and Eve’s arrival here is amazing, as well.
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