Taronga is committed to ensuring the survival of Australia’s most iconic species, including the platypus. In February 2024, Platypus Rescue HQ was officially opened at Taronga Western Plains Zoo – the world’s largest platypus conservation centre! 

Boasting a catchment scale rescue facility for 60 platypuses, a dedicated research and breeding centre, a predator-proof aquatic sanctuary and an immersive guest experience with a platypus on display for the first time at Dubbo, this is a game-changing facility for the future of the platypus.  

An ex-situ breeding population has been established at Platypus Rescue HQ, monitored by a dedicated team of scientists, bringing together specialists in platypus biology, ecology, animal behaviour, reproduction and genetics. In partnership with the University of New South Wales and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the five-year research program aims to fill our knowledge gaps in platypus reproduction, and response and resilience to ongoing threats such as drought. To combat the extinction risk of platypus due to habitat loss, pollution, urban encroachment and extreme climatic events, this project aims to investigate platypus reproduction and the triggers for wild intervention. Our scientists will work to develop best-practice genetic and husbandry management protocols to increase platypus reproductive success and improve conservation management decision-making. They will also be studying both zoo-based and wild platypus across NSW to determine the environmental and behavioural triggers for emergency rescue interventions in the wild. 

Excitingly, the first ever translocation of platypus in NSW was successfully undertaken last year in Sydney’s Royal National Park. Up until then, platypus had been locally extinct in the area for over 50 years. In partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, UNSW and WWF Australia, Taronga assisted with the release of ten platypuses sourced from across NSW in May 2023. Surveys in March 2024 saw the recapture of one adult female in good condition, and a juvenile female platypus – the first evidence of breeding in the National Park in half a century. This milestone represents a comeback for the species and the ecosystem health of the Royal National Park. Taronga will continue to monitor and manage this population over the coming years.