Recently, the Australian conservationists unveiled that Taronga Zoo will build the world’s first platypus sanctuary.
This aims to promote breeding and rehabilitation as platypus face extinction due to climate change.
The Taronga Conservation Society Australia and the New South Wales State government told media that they would build the specialist facility.
This will include ponds and burrows at the zoo 391 km from Sydney.
This could house up to 65 platypuses by 2022.
The platypus is classified as a protected species in Australia. Taronga CEO Cameron Kerr told media:
“There is so much to learn about the platypus and we know so little. These facilities will be critical in building our knowledge so that we don’t let this iconic creature slip off the earth.”
Concerns about the platypus going extinct have been heightened as scientists estimate nearly three billion animals died due to warming temperatures caused by summer bushfires.
“The 2019-20 bushfires followed several years of drought, and Taronga had noted beforehand an increased number of platypuses with “climate-related injuries and illnesses.”
