Flight of the Platypus

Platypus
Diplomacy

Ever since the colonisation of Australia, animals from the continent have been sent to Europe and the Americas as gifts, prizes and for scientific inquiry.

When Australia became an independent country in 1901, the act of sending animals far and wide became a political imperative. The uniqueness of Australian animals generated much attention from overseas audiences, which enabled diplomacy by allowing other nations to benefit from the exchange of animals. Australia would receive positive attention, increasing tourism and awareness, whilst the host country would gain recognition, a new attraction and media attention.

Australia has been reluctant to export platypuses to foreign zoos given that they are iconic native animals and are notoriously difficult to transport. Consequently, there are only four instances of the platypus leaving the continent since the beginning of the 20th century. These four occasions can be understood as an effort to further strengthen diplomatic relations with Australia's allies.

The first recorded instance was in 1922 when five platypuses were shipped to the Bronx Zoo in New York. The next platypuses were bound for the United Kingdom during World War II, then to the United States of America after World War II, during the Cold War and in the present. All of these cases illustrate Australia's geopolitical alliances, and notably the shift in Australia's security policy from reliance on the UK to partnership with the US.