this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2025
288 points (98.6% liked)

aww

22696 readers
398 users here now

A place with minimal rules for stuff that makes you go awww! Feel free to post pics, gifs, or videos of cats, dogs, babies, or anything cute and remember to be kind to others.

AI posts must be labeled [AI] in the title and are limited to one per week.

While posting and commenting in this community, you must abide by instance-wide rules: https://mastodon.world/about

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

The baby platypus is a fascinating and unique creature. Unlike most mammals, platypuses lay eggs. After hatching, the tiny, fragile babies rely on their mother's milk for nourishment.

These little ones are about the size of a lima bean and weigh around 1 gram at birth. They stay in the burrow, close to their mother, until they are old enough to venture out and learn to swim and find food.

Interestingly, platypuses do not have a stomach; their food passes directly from the esophagus to the intestines. While adult male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs, baby platypuses do not.

There is only one species of platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, and they are native to Australia. Although not currently endangered, platypuses face threats such as habitat loss and pollution.

Conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival and protect these remarkable animals for future generations.

top 8 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] ThulsaDoom@lemmy.world 8 points 1 day ago

I saw some in the wild on Tasmania. The most surprising thing to me was the full grown ones from bill to tail were about the size of a squirrel. I had always pictured in my mind they were beaver size.

[–] motor_spirit@lemmy.world 12 points 1 day ago

they look modeled after water bears, lil water beans

[–] Moah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 11 points 1 day ago (2 children)

How do I give you rewards?

[–] Lyra_Lycan@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 1 day ago

No rewards, currency generated too much toxicity on Reddit so the Federation is sticking to votes.

[–] ickplant@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago

I have no idea, but I really appreciate the sentiment!

[–] CH3DD4R_G0BL1N@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Bruh what kind of Lima beans you have in your neck of the woods? Or how incredibly small is the person handling them?

Actual question: are they like other venomous babies being their most dangerous as bbs not knowing how to control the flow?

[–] ickplant@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I believe only male adults are venomous.