What drew us to the park today was the recent arrival of two platypuses—a 15-year-old named Eve and an 8-year-old named Birra. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is honored to be entrusted with the care of these incredible animals in their new home at Walkabout Australia.

Eve and Birra are currently the only two platypuses outside of Australia. Prior to arriving at the Safari Park, they lived at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. These unique animals are semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammals that live in freshwater habitats. The new platypuses will serve as conservation ambassadors for their species, as we learn from them the importance of freshwater conservation for both humans and wildlife.

Platypuses are most active during dusk and nighttime hours, and they generally sleep during the day. To give us the best possible viewing opportunities while also providing optimum care for the platypuses, the lighting cycle in their habitat has been reversed: it mimics nighttime during daylight hours and daytime during nighttime hours. Platypuses can be difficult to see, both in the wild and in a zoo setting, so getting a glimpse of these elusive and rare animals is a special experience.


We 🤎 Roos!


It was extra special to see the Tree Kangaroo with a joey in her pouch. I love baby anythings.

Our day even allowed us to catch a couple of Up Close & Personal critter talks.

We never tire of the Tigers. Today, they really put on a show for us (meaning they were awake).


Besides the full-time residents in the park, I delight in the visitors. What a spectacular place to spend the morning. It was good to be outing & abouting.