Queensland Police have charged a 26-year-old man with allegedly removing a platypus from Morayfield on Tuesday, April 4.
Around 12.30pm, it will be alleged the man, accompanied by a female, has taken the platypus from a local a waterway then travelled by train from Morayfield to Caboolture where they entered a King Street shopping centre.
It will further be alleged the pair were observed showing the animal to members of the public at the shopping centre.
Following a public appeal Railway Squad officers located a 26-year-old man in Caboolture at 12.30pm today.
He has been charged with one count each of taking protected animal class 1 offence and restriction on keeping or using taken protected animal class 1 offence.
He is due to appear at Caloundra Magistrates Court on Saturday, April 8.
A female has spoken with police and investigations are ongoing.
Police were advised the animal was released into the Caboolture River and 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.
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.
Earlier release: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/04/05/appeal-for-platypus-return-morayfield/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
