San Diego Zoo Safari Park Platypus at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

They sent out invitations. It’s by invitation.

 

A question: if, as seems certain, San Diego is getting platypus, does this make it a possibility that other zoos might receive them in future? I could see Prague being a good platypus recipient.

 

I suppose it's possible but I'm going to assume it depends on how these ones fare first, if they do get them.

But now you've got me pondering which zoos would be appropriate to receive platypus in the future. I imagine Bronx due to the historical husbandry, Hamerton have strong Australian ties, Budapest has the prestige (that comes of being an older inner city zoo that's modernizing) and a stellar collection of Ozzy critters already... And then I think I'm done.

 

While searching for the event I found this link. For those who are unable to open it, it appears to be the invitation that was sent out to those who were invited.

Opening of the Nelson M. Millsberg Duck-Billed Platypus Exhibit

 

I can't see the page on the computer I am on right now, but the name of the link looks pretty nice!

 

Please don’t try to sign up if you weren’t invited as they will be checking against their list.

 

Good call, start with the food and let the actual animals come later, smart.

Don't play with my heart like that

 

Probably none in Europe as EAZA isn't really in favor of that idea, or so I heard.

 

Rats. (Australian water rats, of course)...

 

What does the EAZA have against it?

 

It is only my guess but I think the long transport time is probably one of the biggest reasons.

 

Are people really still calling it the "duck billed" platypus, and not just platypus?

 

Yes, frequently...

 

Interesting. I was able to open the link and attendance is free which leads me to believe the invite was sent to a select group of higher level members/donors (which means it probably should not have been posted here). However if they have set a date (about three weeks away) I imagine the animals are already on the grounds. They would not invite people to an opening if the import was still pending.

 

I'm with you there @Arizona Docent. I think it may be in best interests to remove any posts with that link to avoid conflict with San Diego Zoo. I was able to open it as well, so looks like anyone can open. I would like to know about the platypus as much as anyone else, but let's not shoot ourselves in the foot by leaking SDZ's news before they release it...

 

I can’t wait to visit the platypus when on display, I never got the chance to see the pandas at the SDZ but the platypus is an animal that has fascinated me since a young child and one that I’ll hopefully be able to see soon at the safari park. The safari park will be swarming with zoochatters which is awesome, I do agree with the sentiment others have mentioned about not going to the invitation event unless invited personally. Also we should let them release the news despite it appearing pretty much a done deal already.

 

Fair enough. You're right, I hadn't noticed there wasn't any real specifics on who was allowed, although it does read more like a special invite to me. Are they actually doing free food for whoever is there at the time I wonder?

Hopefully some Zoochatters can attend and set the great platypus mystery to rest. I have the feeling a large number of Zoochatters will be checking this page on the 21st.

 

It will be a truly great day, Zoochaters present at the event, taking pictures of absolutely everything and then rushing back home to be the first one to publish it here and receive worldwide attention.