Animals You've Seen That Few Zoochatters Have Seen
- Thread starter Hipporex
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Local_Shark
Well-Known Member
One certainly does wonder lol. I also wonder if the AZA Is having SD attempt to breed the platypuses, to create what amounts to a completely American stock so that the species could endure, and maybe even one or two other zoos here could have them for people to see and learn about. I don’t know that they would succeed even if they did, it’s hard enough to even keep them alive in captivity outside of Australia, but the thought has crossed my mind.
I can't imagine it would have any effect other than INCREASING tourism.
If I remember correctly San Diego's pair of platypus are a mother and her son, so I highly doubt breeding will ever be attempted.
Local_Shark
Well-Known Member
Ah, yeah, I only heard they were a male and female when I was there, but any kind of familial relationship would of course be the end of that lol.
That’s correct they’re ambassadors (non-breeding).
0.1 Eve (2003) Abby x Maryanne (Taronga)
1.0 Birrarung (2011) Tarrabi x Binarri (Healesville)
Eve is the aunt of Birrarung (Eve and Binarri are sisters).
Local_Shark
Well-Known Member
Many thanks for the extra info @Zoofan15 - it does make me wonder something different now, that being whether these two platypuses will be more or less the beginning and the end of the species in the US unless more are imported. I'm curious as to what the AZA's/SD's/Aussie zoos' and government's plans are for that. Apologies for the thread being briefly overtaken by this tangent though.
In February 2017, an agreement was reached between Taronga Zoo and San Diego Zoo to exchange Platypus for Okapi.
Okapi were never received by Taronga (or any Australian zoo); though I note that San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partnered with Taronga Zoo and the University of NSW to fund a five year research project.
I would be surprised if there were further Platypus exports at this stage. The pair sent to San Diego were surplus to the Australian captive population, but were clearly supplied as ambassadors rather than the founders of an overseas breeding population.
The only exception being if there's further breeding regionally to generate substantial numbers for a surplus again.
A lot of the holders now have older animals as a result, so it's unlikely that will occur; but rescues also come in now and again, and those individuals also need places within the current setup holders here in Australia.
Furthermore, there hasn't been a birth in a decade now here, so I'm not holding my breath that numbers will sky rocket anytime soon.
Aspiring_zoologist
Member
When I went to Costa Rica 2 years ago we saw a sungrebe, our guide told us they’re very elusive and birders come from around the globe to try and find them.
saw one in Costa Rica as well.
Aspiring_zoologist
Member
Can you confirm or deny their rarity? I’d never even heard of them before that moment.
Well they are a very widespread species, and not considered endangered. I'm not sure how elusive they are as well. The one I saw was merrily paddling in the middle of a stream making no attempt to hide from our boat. That said in the week I spent in Costa Rica- I only saw the one.
I have also seen wild in Peru; they are thinly spread and quite elusive, and certainly rare (possibly non-existent) in captivity.
4.4k observations in Costa Rica on eBird if that gives you some perspective, it's not '''insane''', but its still nice :]