Outrageous Aussie Animals
Preparing for the Marsupial Apocalypse
Guest: Andrew Pask, Associate Professor, BioSciences, University of Melbourne
Marsupials are an incredible group of animals, but they are also at risk. Here's what scientists are doing to protect and encourge them to thrive again.
Elusive, Extraordinary and Potentially Endangered, the Platypus Swims On
Guest: Josh Griffiths, Senior Wildlife Ecologist, cesar
The cartoon stars of "Phineas and Ferb" have a pet Platypus named Perry that doubles as a secret agent: his undercover escapades protect the city from the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. But he's hard to keep track of. “Where’s Perry?” is one of the oft repeated lines of the tv show. This caricuture is close to reality because real-life platypuses are terribly difficult to find.
Rosie the Shark
Guest: Tom Kapitany, Director, "Crystal World," Victoria, Australia
In 1998, a great white shark was netted in the tuna nets off the South Australian coast. The fishermen humanely killed her, and she ended up in an amusement park where she was preserved and given the name "Rosie." Later, the amusement park was abandonded, leaving Rosie neglected until Tom Kapitany rescued her. She is now on display at "Crystal World" in Victoria, Australia.