A platypus, allegedly taken from the wild in the Moreton Bay region, has reportedly been released back into the Caboolture River.
It comes after a man and woman were seen with the animal on a train from Morayfield to Caboolture on Tuesday. They were reportedly holding the animal, patting it, and showing it to other passengers and later to other people at a King Street shopping centre.
It’s alleged they took the animal from a local waterway.
Following a public appeal, Railway Squad officers located a 26-year-old man in Caboolture at 12.30pm today.
He has been charged with taking and keeping a protected animal, and is due to appear at Caloundra Magistrates Court on Saturday, April 8.
A female has also spoken with police.
Police have been told the animal was released into the Caboolture River, but it has not yet been located by authorities.
Its condition is unknown.
“Taking a platypus from the wild is not only illegal, but it can be dangerous for both the displaced animal and the person involved if the platypus is male as they have venomous spurs,” a statement from QPS reads.
“If you are lucky enough to see a platypus in the wild, keep your distance.”
“Never pat, hold or take an animal from the wild.”
“Anyone who sees a sick or injured wild animal should report it to the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or to the Department of Environment and Science (DES) on 1300 130 372.”
