Taking sanctuary is good holiday fun

By Melissa Meehan
HEALESVILLE Sanctuary is inviting the public to join in the Australian Festival – a celebration of the platypus during the school holidays.
To mark the historic birth recently of two baby platypus, the April school holiday activities will focus on the natural habitat of the platypus and how Healesville Sanctuary has recreated a natural environment for their comfort and well being.
The two baby platypus were a world first in the captive breeding program of second generation platypus.
Each day, from 21 March until 6 April, there will be a fun-packed full day of special free activities.
Events include Platypus Keeper Talks at 1.15pm and 3.30pm.
The keepers will give an insight into the life and breeding cycle of these very secretive animals.
A special Indigenous workshop with Aboriginal story telling, dancing and playing the didgeridoo will occur each day at 11.15am and 1.145pm.
There will be traditional didgeridoo playing, the story of the Bunjil the wedge-tailed eagle creator spirit, and introduction to Wurundjeri land.
Be captivated by a Dreaming story about the platypus, learn the kangaroo dance, and try your hand at throwing the boomerang.
The daily Birds of Prey presentation and the Parrots in Flight show also occur daily as major attractions.