PLATYPUS DAY CELEBRATES FATHER OF CONSERVATION

The work of Queensland’s father of the conservation movement, Dr David Fleay, was celebrated on the Gold Coast today.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones joined Member for Burleigh Christine Smith to officially launch Platypus Day at David Fleay Wildlife Park and paid tribute to the internationally recognised pioneer in threatened species research and captive breeding.

Ms Jones also launched a new edition of one of Dr Fleay’s most acclaimed books, Paradoxical Platypus: Hobnobbing with duckbills.

“Funded by the Queensland Government through the Q150 Community Funding Program, the book offers insight into a remarkable species and has laid the foundation for further research,” Ms Jones said.

“Dr Fleay achieved more than 40 “firsts” in the breeding of Australian wildlife, the most challenging being his breeding of a platypus in captivity in 1943,”

“He also pioneered captive breeding of many other species including the powerful owl, the sooty owl, the yellow-bellied glider and the wedge-tailed eagle.

“A founder of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Dr Fleay established his world-famous wildlife sanctuary in West Burleigh in 1952 signing over his land to the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1983 to continue his work.”

Ms Smith said the David Fleay Wildlife Park was the only facility on the Gold Coast where this unique species is on display.

”A highlight for the thousands of visitors who tour the Park each year is seeing the two resident platypuses, Mary and Pebbles, in their state-of-the-art exhibit at the Nocturnal House,” Ms Smith said.

“The heritage-listed platypusary exhibit was restored over several years, re-opening in September as one of the best in Australia. The Park’s role as a wildlife exhibitor and educator is as relevant today as ever and Dr Fleay’s vision of providing the public with an enjoyable, interactive wildlife education experience.”
11 October,  2009
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