Historical information

The first platypus to be bred in captivity was at the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary (now known as Healesville Sanctuary) in 1943. The birth was mainly thanks to the efforts of David Howells Fleay who was the director of the Sanctuary at that time. It was approx 50 years until another was born in captivity. In 1998 another was bred at Healesville Sanctuary. Since then attempts at breeding platypus have been largely unsuccessful.

Physical description

This DL envelope was used at the time of the 50th anniversary of the first breeding of a platypus in captivity. The envelope is pale yellow with brown wording and a brown and green image of David Fleay's book, "We breed the Platypus". There are 2 Australian 40 cent stamps on the envelope, featuring a swimming platypus and it has been franked with a circular stamp depicting "Corrie" the platypus. On the back of the envelope in brown wording is some general information about the platypus and also details of the first breeding .

Inscriptions & markings

Franking: HEALESVILLE VIC 3777 25th FEBRUARY 1994 FIRST PLATYPUS BRED IN CAPTIVITY / 50th ANNIVERSARY / "CORRIE"/