First Rare Echidna Baby Born at the Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is thrilled to announce a truly historic moment: the birth of its very first echidna baby, known as a puggle! This remarkable achievement marks a rare success in echidna husbandry, as these egg-laying mammals, one of only two monotremes in the world, are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. The mother, Jon Snow, named long before keepers confirmed her sex via x-ray (yes, the Game of Thrones name is technically meant for a boy), surprised the Park’s team. Keepers first noticed Jon losing weight and refusing her meals, prompting a veterinary checkup. The call from Head Vet Dr Robin at Somersby Animal Hospital brought incredible news: Jon had a tiny puggle tucked safely in her pouch! A team of keepers rushed to the vet to witness this rare miracle. Echidnas instinctively curl up into a ball when handled, so Jon was lightly sedated to allow a thorough examination. When her pouch was carefully opened, keepers discovered a jellybean-sized puggle wriggling inside. The echidna’s pouch, a unique structure reminiscent of a belly button, is where the egg hatches and the tiny puggle begins its early life. Life Sciences Manager Hayley Shute was on-site to see the newborn. The puggle has already hatched from its egg and will remain safely in its Mum’s pouch for approximately 90 days, growing until its quills start to emerge. After this stage, it will leave the pouch and begin exploring the world from a burrow crafted by its mother. Echidnas are one of only two egg-laying mammals in the world, alongside the platypus. Native exclusively to Australia and parts of New Guinea, these shy, solitary creatures are covered in coarse fur and sharp spines. The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo located in a natural bushland setting on the Central Coast of NSW, just one hour from Sydney or Newcastle. Recently awarded Best Major Tourist Attraction at the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards. Open daily from 9am-5pm with free parking and BBQ facilities. For more information visit www.reptilepark.com.au