| Among the greatest
achievements of naturalist David Fleay was the first ever breeding of the
platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in captivity. His platypusary
(platypus enclosure) at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria was designed
to simulate the features of the natural habitat (rivers and streams) in
which the species lives. In the first week of November 1943, "Corrie"
(a female) was born to the sanctuary's platypus pair, Jack and Jill.
The species was not again successfully bred and reared in captivity until
1998, again at Healesville. Since then, captive reproduction has
been achieved twice more - once again at Healesville, and also at Taronga
Zoo (Sydney).
Shown below is historical film footage
of Healesville Sanctuary's platypusary in 1943, including an examination
of the nesting burrow. |
