TAME PLATYPUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22810, 20 February 1936, Page 12

TAME PLATYPUS

THREE YEARS IN CAPTIVITY NATURALIST’S ACHIEVEMENT (From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, February 13. Splash, the famous platypus lamed by Mr Robert Eadie, of Badger Creek, Healesville (Victoria), lias now lived for three years in captivity. This is not only a record for the platypus, hut an outstanding achievement in wild life domestication. All over the world the fame of Splash has travelled, and about 10.000 peop’.e have visited “Glen Eadie,” Mr Eadic’s home, to sec the wonder animal. From a creature as timid ns a hare, Splash lias become so accustomed to mankind that now he delights in publicity. He shows oft and rarely leaves the. swimming tank for his “retiring room” while even one watcher remains.

•Five months old when captured; Splash has now reached maturity and is a very fine specimen, 22 inches in. length. He has grown seven inches during his three years in the platypussary, which was designed by Mr Eadie. Splash, who weighs 4Jib, has a healthy appetite. He eats 16oz of worms and grubs daily, and in the evening is served with two eggs prepared as supplementary food. Since he has occupied his quarters at Glen Eadie he has eaten half a ton weight of worms and more than 2000 eggs. Tame as a kitten and as playful, he is generally in a frolicsome mood. He continues to display his gymnastic abilities while there is an audience. They depart, and Splash hnrrie,,- away to the sleeping apartment for a rest.