Monotreme dreams: the plan to reintroduce platypuses into Adelaide's once 'noxious' river

Platypuses have not been seen in the Torrens since the 1880s, but now the river may be healthy enough to support the species againGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastIn May 1872, Adelaide's doctors were surveyed about the "noxious effluvia" emanating from the River Torrens, the South Australian Advertiser reported. John Burn wrote to the paper to say he endorsed their condemnation of "the filthy state of Adelaide - a city of stenches"."If any of our citizens be sceptical, I would suggest his taking a stroll along King William Street on to the Morphett Street Bridge, where he might tarry a wee bit for the inhalation of the horridly pestiferous vapours there to be enjoyed," Burn wrote. Continue reading...