After 11-weeks of treatment and rehabilitation at Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Sydney, a juvenile male platypus has been returned home to the Blue Mountains National Park. 

The platypus was a shock discovery for a concerned member of the public who spotted the vulnerable species waddling down a road in Hazelbrook in late April.  

Swift action by WIRES volunteers led to his admission to Blaxland Veterinary Clinic for initial assessment, where a shoulder wound was identified suspected to be from a predator attack. It later earned the platypus the name Scruff’. 

The platypus was transported to Taronga Wildlife Hospital for specialised care, where the veterinary team conducted a comprehensive assessment and successful surgery. Following rehabilitation, the patient passed its health assessment and was found to be suitable for release back to the wild.  

Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle attended the release back to the Blue Mountains bush on July 15, and said it was "very special" to be part of the experience. 

"In my capacity as Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, leading the review into our Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Sector, I understand that protecting species like the platypus is vital not only for biodiversity but also for preserving the natural heritage of New South Wales and the Blue Mountains Region for future generations," she said.  

"Thanks to everyone involved, and here's hoping young 'Scruff' continues to thrive,” she said. 

Amy Guilfoyle, Australian Fauna Supervisor at Taronga Zoo Sydney said: “Throughout his care and rehabilitation at Taronga, our goal was to maintain this platypus’s natural behaviours and readiness for the wild.” 

Under the expert guidance of National Parks and Wildlife Services, the release took place in an area close to where the animal was found, with the dedicated carers of the patient watching on. 

Will Batson, Manager Blue Mountains Branch, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said: 

“The release area has confirmed platypus records, including eDNA sampling (environmental DNA sampling), over the last couple of years.  

“It’s also in the same water network and close to where the animal was collected.” 

Anne Buttigieg, Blaxland vet nurse and WIRES volunteer said: 

“Platypus are a protected species and one of only a few venomous mammals in the world. It’s a great to see the collaborative wildlife care and best result of seeing it returned to the wild.” 

With its duck-like bill, webbed feet, otter-like fur and beaver-shaped tail, the platypus is one of the most unusual creatures on Earth. This monotreme - or egg-laying mammal - also possesses electroreceptors in its bill that detect the faint electrical signals of its prey, such as crustaceans. 

Ms Doyle said the release was testament to the incredible team effort to look after precious wildlife.  

She praised the exceptional lengthy work of Taronga staff, National Parks and Wildlife workers and the eagle eyed local who made the discovery and the WIRES volunteers and the Blaxland vet staff. 

“In leading the review of the wildlife rehabilitation sector, I have been listening to the experiences of volunteers and veterinarian services working to protect our native wildlife over the last 12 months, and I have visited a number of facilities around the state”. 

The return of this platypus to the wild carries deep ecological and cultural significance for New South Wales, where the species is recognised as the state’s official animal emblem. 

The Blue Mountains, part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, provides critical habitat for this elusive and vulnerable species, which plays a vital role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. 

Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo treat approximately 1,500 sick, injured or orphaned native animals for treatment and rehabilitation each year. 

Media: Grace Black | Taronga Zoo Sydney | [email protected]