People are being encouraged to dress as platypuses this Saturday for the Hobart’s first-ever ‘Platypus Party’.
The free community event at Cascade Gardens aims to spotlight the local platypus population and raise awareness about the health of the Hobart Rivulet.
Running from 1pm to 5pm, festivities will include a best-dressed competition, platypus-themed t-shirt printing workshops and bush adventure experiences.
Local platypus advocate Pete Walsh and Bonorong Wildlife Hospital’s head veterinarian Luke Gregory will lead discussions on the challenges facing the species.
They will be joined by gardening expert and event co-organiser Hannah Moloney.
Moloney said the event is an opportunity to learn more about the pressures on the local platypus population.
“It’s also an opportunity to learn more about these incredible animals from local experts so that we can help look after them and their home into the future,” she said.
The event comes as the Hobart City Council works to restore the rivulet and protect other platypuses from becoming fatally caught in twine, as Larila did.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council has been working to remove crack willows, while also approving funding for a new pollutant trap for capturing things like litter.
“This trap is far more effective at capturing a greater range of pollutants than the existing sock, has a far greater capture volume and will be more easily maintained than the existing litter sock,” she said.
