The Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia is the new home for an orphaned baby Platypus, called a “puggle.” Named “Yamacoona” (Wurundjeri for “water spirit”), this tiny baby weighed only 335 grams when she arrived at the Sanctuary in a critical condition four weeks ago. She was miraculously found floating in saltwater (Platypuses live in freshwater) about three miles from the mouth of the Mitchell River. The nearest known sighting of any Platypus is 31 miles (50 kilometers) upstream from the mouth of the Mitchell River.
Healesville Sanctuary vets believe it is possible that the Platypus’ mother may have died during recent flooding so the puggle was washed out to the island into salt water. Yamacoona is about three months of age, and wouldn’t have been weaned for another 6-8 weeks.
(via allcreatures)
12 months ago • 592 notes • view comments
