Adopt a Platypus
Adopt a Platypus and become a Zoo Parent to help protect these iconic Australian animals in the wild for future generations.
Platypus
Scientific nameOrnithorhynchus anatinus
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable
The platypus (Badang in Sydney’s First Language) is the animal emblem of Taronga Conservation Society Australia and the state of New South Wales. This secretive and elusive monotreme has inhabited the freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes of eastern Australia and Tasmania for thousands of years.
Sydney
Dubbo
Visitor tips for Sydney
See a Platypus in nguwing nura – Nocturnal House or in the Blue Mountains Bushwalk.
Good times to visit - nguwing nura
10:00am
Fun facts about Platypus
4-8yrs
is the average lifespan of a platypus, although some have lived up to 17 years in zoos.
East Coast of mainland Australia
is where Platypuses are predominantly found, including Tasmania. They are also occasionally found in South Australia.
2kg
is the maximum weight of a male platypus, with females weighing up to 1.5 kg.
Breeding season
is from early August to late October. Gestation is 16+/- days and incubation of the egg is 10-11 days.
Aquatic invertebrates
make up most of the platypus diet, including insect larvae, shrimp, swimming beetles, water bugs, tadpoles, worms, freshwater pea mussels, and snails.
43-50cm
is the approximate height of an adult platypus.
4-8yrs
is the average lifespan of a platypus, although some have lived up to 17 years in zoos.
East Coast of mainland Australia
is where Platypuses are predominantly found, including Tasmania. They are also occasionally found in South Australia.
2kg
is the maximum weight of a male platypus, with females weighing up to 1.5 kg.
Breeding season
is from early August to late October. Gestation is 16+/- days and incubation of the egg is 10-11 days.
Aquatic invertebrates
make up most of the platypus diet, including insect larvae, shrimp, swimming beetles, water bugs, tadpoles, worms, freshwater pea mussels, and snails.
43-50cm
is the approximate height of an adult platypus.
Did you know?
We bet you didn't know these facts about the Platypus.
Tap the icons
Scroll across to reveal Platypus facts.
Adapted for adventure
Platypus have webbed feet for swimming, but fold up the webbing when on land, using its claws for walking.
An electric sense
Platypuses use electroreceptors on their bill to detect electrical signals.
Venom alert
Platypuses are among the few venomous mammals in the world.
Snack storage
Platypus store their food in their cheek-pouches.
Species management programs
Taronga contributes to an Australasian Species Management Program and/or international breeding program for this species. This helps maintain healthy and resilient zoo-based animal populations by preserving genetic diversity, supporting animal husbandry knowledge, and ensuring exceptional animal welfare, safeguarding the species for the future.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable
Platypus Conservation
The Platypus plays an important role in the food web and ecology of Australian freshwater ecosystems. Taronga has made a conservation commitment to the Platypus and we are working hard to protect them in the wild. A joint research project with University partners will assess impacts of fragmentation and threatening processes on platypus; Taronga also supports partnerships aiming to deliver significant areas of habitat restoration. In partnership with the Australian Platypus Conservancy, Taronga supports a research program investigating and promoting alternatives to reduce the capture of Platypus through yabby trapping - a favourite Australian pastime. Continuing to develop our platypus breeding program to better understand this incredibly secretive and elusive species is a challenge we eagerly accept.
Phenomenal Platypus
Taronga releases rescued Platypuses back into the wild
Taronga teamed up with UNSW to rescue Platypus from harsh, dry conditions at Tidinbilla Nature Reserve and reintroduced them to the wild once creeks were at a stable level. Watch on to hear the full story!
Reduce, reuse and save river species
When you choose reusable items and say no to single-use plastic, it makes a world of difference to wildlife.
Adopt a Platypus
The Platypus is one of the world’s most unusual mammals, living in rivers and streams in eastern Australia, but pollution, dams, and habitat damage are putting pressure on this unique species.
Fact sheets for kids
Discover educational resources for kindergarten to year 6.
Proud to support the Platypus!
Connoisseur is donating 10c for every Connoisseur sold at both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo directly to the Platypus.
Be sure to purchase a Connoisseur Ice Cream during your visit to Taronga to show your support of this iconic Aussie animal!
More to explore
Platypus Conservation Centre
Visit Platypus Rescue HQ at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo and meet Mack the Platypus at the world’s largest purpose-built platypus conservation centre.
Litter Free Rivers
Litter Free Rivers is Taronga's Community Conservation initiative to help save animals like Platypus from plastic pollution. Learn about reusable options and reduce single use plastic.
