Pink Platypus Spotted in Gippsland, Victoria
A pink platypus was spotted in Gippsland, Victoria, and has been nicknamed Pinky by fisherman Cody Stylianou, who photographed the animal during his first trout fishing trip of the season in September. Stylianou observed and filmed the platypus feeding, noting the unusual pink color on its bill and feet. Experts confirm that this lighter-than-normal coloration is not a result of albinism or leucism but represents a natural variation within the species. The exact location of the sighting is being kept secret to protect the animal.
The platypus, a monotreme species, is listed as near-threatened by the IUCN. Populations in Victoria have declined due to disruption of waterways since European settlement. Conservation efforts such as river replanting and careful consideration of environmental impacts near rivers are aiding some population recovery, with ongoing monitoring.
Jeff Williams, director of the Australian Platypus Conservancy, stated that the pink coloration represents an extreme end of normal color variation and is not considered exceptional or a breakthrough. Specialists note that platypuses naturally vary in color and this sighting falls within the expected range for the species, not indicating a new species or condition.
