Ornithorhynchus anatinus

The Platypus is a unique egg-laying mammal that digs itself a burrow in riverbanks. Males have a venomous spur on their hind legs to fight off rivals during breeding season. With eyes and ears closed, the Platypus' webbed feet and duck-like bill with electro-receptors help it to find food underwater.

Platypus are rarely seen in the wild, however they are often seen in the ‘Platypus House' as they sift through substrate in a large underwater tank looking for fresh yabbies and other goodies to eat. The ‘Platypus Pools' exhibit showcases native animals living in a near wild habitat. Taronga Zoo is the first organization in the world to have successfully bred platypus three times.