Platypus ecologist Josh Griffiths is expressing grave concern about the status of platypus populations in Australia. 

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. 

Researchers supported by San Diego Zoo Global are looking for surviving wildlife in Australia, using the talents of a specially trained dog named Smudge.