Platypus Facts For Kids from the Kangaroo Island Adventure at Wonder Rotunda
This material about the habits and habitat of the Platypus is drawn from the "Learn More" reading opportunities in the Kangaroo Island Adventure at the Wonder Rotunda, an on-line educational theme park for ages 7-12.
The Platypus
The Platypus is quite famous for its mix of features such as the webbed feet of a beaver, the bill of a duck, and the venom of a snake and the fur and shape of an otter.
Mainly a nocturnal animal, the Platypus can best be seen during the early morning and late evening. It spends about half its time in the water feeding, spending up to 10 hours in the water continuously. Its diet consists mainly of water animals such as insects and their eggs.
The Platypus is one of only two egg laying mammals on earth. The other is animal that looks a bit like a porcupine called the Echidna. Egg laying mammals are known as monotremes.
When they are not swimming, Platypuses spend most of their time in burrows which have been dug into the bank of a river or water hole.
Platypuses are shy animals, and will usually dive underwater to swim away from an attacker. However, if unable to escape, the male Platypus will thrust the spurs on their hind legs at the attacker. These spurs are connected to a sac containing a venom, (poison) strong enough to kill a dog.
About Wonder Rotunda
The Wonder Rotunda is an educational theme park (for ages 7-12) that sparks curiosity, helps kids find their interests and passions, and inspires them to think about making a mark in the world. Topics explored include marine life, space exploration, animal life, classical music, nutrition, American government, globalization, climate change, money and business, the visual and performing arts, film making and climate change. Take the Free Tour.
About the Kangaroo Island Moonlight Adventure
A moonlit speedboat ride across a rocky channel on your way out to Kangaroo Island sets the stage for this adventure. Once on the island, using special flashlights to find nocturnal animals, you learn about Koalas, Wallabies and Kangaroos. Later that night, you’ll watch quietly as a colony Little Blue Penguins swim ashore to feed their hungry chicks. Your adventure concludes with a visit to a colony of Australian Sea Lions.