The world’s oldest platypus celebrated her 25th birthday at Healesville Sanctuary.
Fleay is bucking the trend, with most platypus only living to be 20 years old.
She started her special day with a good scratch from her keeper, Dr Jessica Thomas.
Despite her age, Fleay is in great health, and daily health checks keep her that way.
Keepers pay particular attention to platypus’ fat stores in their tails as it gives a good picture of the animal’s overall health.
Fleay has lived at Healesville Sanctuary since 1993.
Her favourite activity is playing in the waterfall in her exhibit – climbing to the top and belly-flopping into her pond.
She also loves stripping the bark off branches placed in her tank and her favourite food is blackworms.
Fleay is named after former Healesville Sanctuary director, David Fleay, who bred the first platypus ever hatched in captivity in 1943.
Fleay’s legacy lives on today with Healesville Sanctuary renowned as a world-leader in platypus breeding.
Platypus are unique creatures, one of only two montremes (egg-laying mammals) in the world.
Visitors to Healesville Sanctuary can see Fleay on display at the World of the Platypus exhibit every day.
