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.

In the last week,San Diego Zoo Global has raised more than a half-million dollars for Australian wildlife relief. This number includes the money raised through the attendance match on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, and on-site donations from members, staff and volunteers who came to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park to donate money in person and through online donations.

As part of San Diego Zoo Global’s effort to mobilize resources and expertise to save species at risk due to the Australian wildfire crisis, the conservation organization has pledged to contribute an amount equal to the money raised in this Sunday’s(Jan.12, 2020) admissions at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park directly toward wildlife relief efforts.