Platypus dies after being found with zip tie around its neck at Kingston wetlands

A platypus rescued from Kingston wetlands has tragically died after being found in a shocking state – with the discovery prompting a warning from wildlife carers.

A platypus rescued from Kingston wetlands with a cable tie around its neck has died. (Supplied: WIRES)

Wildlife rescuers are pleading with the public to be responsible for their rubbish after a platypus found at Kingston with a zip tie around its neck died in care.

When Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) member Ned Vonhulst responded to an emergency call-out in early September, he wasn’t quite prepared for what he would find at Kingston Wetlands between the Huon and Channel Highways.

“Snuffling” in a drainage ditch with 20cm of water was a platypus with a zip tie around its neck and leg.

Mr Vonhulst managed to transport the platypus to Bonorong Wildlife Hospital, with veterinarians noting the animal suffered from severe tissue damage under its front leg due to pressure from the zip tie.

Mr Vonhulst said the animal would likely have been unable to feed in such a condition and the location in which it was rescued from.

“When I followed up, the veterinarians said he was under too much stress and trauma from his wounds and combined with the poor condition of his body – he was unable to be saved,” he said.

This is one of many call-outs for injured animals that Mr Vonhulst attends each year.

“It can be anything from entanglement of fishing lines and nettings or six pack holders stuck around an animal’s body,” he said.

“It’s clear to me that rubbish and the way we dispose of it is having serious ramifications for our wildlife.”

WIRES spokesperson John Grant said the platypus’ death was a timely reminder for the public to responsibly dispose of all rubbish.

“Plastics, netting, fishing line and hooks are increasingly causing entanglement issues for wildlife – often with fatal outcomes,” he said.

“In this case, rubbish has made its way into the platypus’ habitat and has made its very home a death trap.”

Originally published as Platypus dies after being found with zip tie around its neck at Kingston wetlands