Platypus Surfing

Abstract

For this project, we design a self-activated wave enrichment system for a solo male platypus, 'Sam', at Melbourne Zoo. We develop a sensor system that Sam can learn to activate by swimming near the device to trigger a wave sequence, providing both choice (to activate a wave pattern) and control (whether to activate) over his environment. We predict that the triggering will promote natural exploration and play behaviours in response to the wave patterns and reduce noted abnormal repetitive behaviours. The project involves multiple stakeholders with city and state zoos, Animal Welfare Specialists, keepers and operational systems teams, university researchers and multiple funding applications and ethical clearances. With the project 'still in process', we detail the initial testing which indicates the overall potential success of the interactive system for Sam and specify the next steps for implementation, observation, analysis and beyond.