MULTIMEDIA NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2020

CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Global
Public Relations
(619) 685-3291

WEBSITE:
SanDiegoZooGlobal.org

MULTIMEDIA NEWS RELEASE 

Platypus Sheltered from Wildfire at Taronga Zoo Receives Care from San Diego Zoo Global Staff

A San Diego Zoo Safari Park senior registered veterinary technician, Kristin McCaffree, recently assisted during the medical examination of a platypus being cared for at the Taronga Zoo. The platypus, along with a number of other animals, was taken to the Taronga Zoo for care during the recent wildfires and drought conditions experienced in Australia. McCaffree from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was one of two people who were sent to the well-known Australian park to assist with the care of wildlife in crisis.

“It’s been really great to have Kristin here, she is a highly experienced registered veterinary technician, and we are so pleased that San Diego Zoo Global could provide us with the on-the-ground assistance,” said Frances Hulst, veterinarian with Taronga Zoo.

This platypus was one of seven that were brought in from their natural habitat to protect them from an advancing wildfire. During the recent natural disaster, Taronga Zoo wildlife care professionals provided sanctuary to many animals, protecting them until their home could be secured.

“Climate, fires, drought, heat—we have seen an awful lot of animals impacted by those events,” said Frances Hulst. “This is a long-term situation, and people can go to our website to help.” Taronga Zoo’s fundraising website can be found at taronga.org.au/savewildlife.

Record-breaking high temperatures and severe drought have fueled a series of wildfires that have been raging in Australia during the past few months. More than 15 million acres have been affected so far, with wildfires joining together in some areas to create mega-fire events. San Diego Zoo Global and Taronga Zoo have worked together for many years. In the wake of the recent disaster, San Diego Zoo Global has activated staff to assist in recovery and wildlife care efforts. People interested in supporting this effort can go to  EndExtinction.org/Help for more information.

As an international non-profit organization, San Diego Zoo Global works to fight extinction through conservation efforts for plants and animals worldwide. With a history of leadership in species recovery and animal care, San Diego Zoo Global works with partners in science-based field programs on six continents, and maintains sanctuaries and public education facilities in San Diego. Inspiring passion for nature is critical to saving species, and San Diego Zoo Global’s outreach efforts share the wonder of wildlife with millions of people every year. Current major conservation initiatives include: fighting wildlife trafficking and the impacts of climate change on wildlife species; broad-spectrum species and habitat protection efforts in Kenya, Peru and on islands worldwide; preventing extinction in our own backyard; and expanding efforts to bank critical genetic resources and apply them to the conservation of critically endangered species. To learn more, visit sandiegozooglobal.org

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