Last week in Tasmania, Australia, a compassionate individual encountered an unusual sight along a busy road: a disoriented platypus far from its natural habitat. The concerned passerby, realizing the creature needed help, immediately took action. They reached out to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), a trusted local wildlife rehabilitation center, for assistance.
Fearing the platypus might be injured or lost due to the absence of a nearby waterway, the Good Samaritan ensured it was taken to the Bonorong Wildlife Hospital for a thorough check-up. BWS later shared on Facebook, “The platypus was brought in for assessment to determine if it was hurt or simply disoriented.”
Thankfully, Perry the platypus was given a clean bill of health ❤️.
The critical care team at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) welcomed the platypus, who was later named Perry, into their hospital that night. They began with a general health assessment before carefully placing Perry under anesthesia for more detailed testing.
Despite his evident distress, the dedicated BWS staff went above and beyond to ensure Perry felt secure. They provided gentle affirmations and created a comforting environment throughout his stay, showing exceptional care and compassion for the little platypus.
The team was overjoyed when Perry’s test results confirmed that he was in good health. They discovered that he was a young male, which helped explain how he might have ended up so far from his natural habitat.
“We suspect he had become lost while searching for his own riverbank territory, as young male platypuses are known to do, and accidentally found himself on the road,” BWS shared. Perry spent the rest of the night in the care of BWS, quickly settling into his temporary habitat. In preparation for his release the next morning, the team provided Perry with a heaping platter of his favorite snacks.
“Perry enjoyed a feast of bugs and a short rest before heading off to his release site early the next day, which was at the nearest waterway to the road on which he was found,” BWS reported.
The next morning, the BWS team transported Perry back to his natural habitat. The grateful platypus wasted no time, eagerly hobbling into the water and swimming away from his rescuers with evident joy.
Several days have passed since his release, and Perry is flourishing once again in his natural habitat. As the team at BWS continues their mission to rescue injured and lost wildlife across the island, they will always hold a special place in their hearts for their beloved Perry, wishing him continued success.
“Good luck on your journey, Perry,” BWS expressed, “and remember to stay away from the road!”