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What else can I help you with?
How old is the oldest platypus?
The oldest recorded platypus in captivity lived to the age of seventeen years.
Where can you buy platypus?
Nowhere. They are protected by Australian law. It is illegal to have one in captivity. Only a very few zoos and other wildlife preserves are allowed a license to own a platypus.
Are platypuses illegal outside Australia as Zoo animals too?
It is not only illegal to have a pet platypus outside Australia; it is also illegal for Australians to have a pet platypus. Like all Australia's native wildlife, the platypus is protected by law. It is an effort to protect the species and ensure they are not subject to abuse or degradation of their freedom and natural instincts (like the sugar gliders held in captivity overseas are).
Would a platypus be a good choice for the zoo?
No. Platypuses are very sensitive to changes in the environment. While some platypuses are kept in sanctuaries and zoos, there are strict guidelines for developing a suitable platypus habitat. Also, very few platypus eggs have ever been hatched in captivity. An animal with a higher mortality rate than birth rate in captivity is not a good choice for a zoo.
Is the platypus's feather like the bird's feather?
The platypus has fur, not feathers.
How long can you wait to hold a platypus after it's born?
Platypuses are not born. They are hatched. The question is purely academic as people do not have the opportunity to hold a platypus after it is hatched. The only ones in captivity are in secure protection, in specially licenced zoos and sanctuaries.
What is the average life span of the platypus?
Platypuses in captivity have been recorded as living to at least 16 years. However, because they are such reclusive creatures, little research has been done on platypus lifespans in their natural state. Whilst research has not yet established the life span of a platypus in the wild, it is believed to be about 10 years. It is estimated that, due to predation by goannas and snakes, platypuses in their natural habitat probably live closer to 4-5 years for males and 6-8 years for females. The oldest recorded platypus in captivity lived to 17 years.
How many lungs do platypus have?
The platypus has two lungs, like all mammals do.
What is the animal kingdom for the platypus?
The platypus, like all animals, is in the kingdom Animalia.
What is the shape of the platypus?
Like many semi-aquatic mammals, the platypus has a streamlined body. This enables the platypus to swim and dive faster.
What sub-phylum is the platypus in?
The platypus, like all mammals, is in the sub-phylum "vertebrata".
What is the possessive form of platypus?
Like so: "The platypus's natural environment is a pleasant one".
