In Brisbane, Australia, there is a “street race” to find two people accused of kidnapping a platypus. Surveillance cameras caught the couple boarding a train last Tuesday, holding the animal wrapped in a towel.

Queensland police are looking for two people who stole a wild platypus from its natural habitat. #queensland #platypus #Australia #qld #moretonbay #platypuses #Australian animals #wild nature #outback #police #auspol pic.twitter.com/6eU8908hkj

— Impact News (@EmpactNews) April 6, 2023

Police believe the couple took the platypus from its natural habitat, which could result in a fine of up to A$430,000 (£231,700, $288,500).

“The platypus runs the risk of getting sick or dying the longer it is out of its environment,” police said, but they also raised concerns about the safety of the two people, as the platypus has a stinger on its back leg that can inject poison capable of killing them. cause severe pain or death.

“According to the report presented [αρχές]the couple showed the animal to people on the train, allowing people to pet it,” said Scott Knowles of the Queensland Police.

Platypods are distinguished by their duck-like bills, hence their other name is Ornithorhynchus. While they are laying eggs, they also produce milk, but without nipples.

Source: BBC