Is your legacy that you lived and enjoyed nature, or lived and cared for nature? 

Is your legacy that you lived and enjoyed nature, or lived and cared for nature? 

Larila died on November 18, 2022 as a result of litter entanglement in the Hobart Rivulet.
November 05, 2022
A playpus is entangled in our litter

Local photographer Adam Fry notices a platypus with a loop of litter around its neck swimming in the Cascade Gardens boulder trap and contacts @hobartrivuletplatypus in the evening.
Photo: Adam Fry

November 06, 2022
The search begins

@hobartrivuletplatypus notifies the platypus team at DPIPWE, and a plan is put together. The search for the entangled platypus begins immediately.

November 07, 2022
It will take a community to care

A call is put out on @hobartrivuletplatypus social media for the South Hobart community to help locate the platypus.

November 08, 2022
The platypus is located

The following morning two eagle eyed community members spot the platypus, again in the Cascade Gardens boulder trap. DPIPWE and the council are notified with the help of the crew who happen to be on site filming #ThePlatypusGuardian.

November 08, 2022
The platypus is captured

Working together, the City of Hobart, DPIPWE and @hobartrivuletplatypus are able to capture the platypus. A loop of twine is removed from around the platypus's body, revealing deep cuts around her neck and front leg.

November 08, 2022
50c for the life of a platypus

A seemingly benign loop of twine around the platypus's neck has put her life at risk. Due to the nature of the injuries she is taken into care at Bonorong.

November 08, 2022
The platypus receives care

Pain relief and antibiotics are injected into the blood vessel running around the outside of the platypus's rubbery bill. She was not conscious at this point thankfully.

November 08, 2022
Wounds are cleaned

The cut down to the bone on the back of the platypus's front leg is of serious concern.

November 08, 2022
Sweet dreams!

With the first round of care complete, the little platypus is tucked into bed.

November 08, 2022
Larila is named by the community

While the platypus sleeps, the community posts name suggestions on @hobartrivuletplatypus Facebook. Larila, palawa kani for platypus is chosen, and the use is approved by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. A beautiful, all encompassing name for a beautiful creature!

November 10, 2022
Delicate Surgery

Larila is prepared for a second round of surgery.

November 10, 2022
Worlds away from her watery home

Surgery takes much longer than expected. Three hours later, Larila wakes up, groggy and exhausted.

November 11, 2022
Platypus or pollution. It's our choice.

With Larila in care we return to the Hobart Rivulet to continue removing rubbish from the waterway. The thought of releasing her back into pollution is heartbreaking.

November 11, 2022
An international monotreme

Larila's progress is closely followed by the community and media, even overseas! If caring thoughts could cure, she'd be back in her waterway home already.

November 11, 2022
Worms, worms and more worms

Larila is moved to a Wildlife Carer. She needs a constant supply of fresh food. The community responds, providing a supply of worms and other yummies.

November 13, 2022
A guarded prognosis

Despite the best efforts of many, Larila's prognosis remains guarded - medical speak for not great.

November 14, 2022
Her best chance

A decision is made to attempt a release. Unfortunately Larila is unable to walk or swim as she should. She returns to Bonorong.

November 18, 2022
This can't be for nought

Larila dies during the night.

November 18, 2022
Poems and flowers

An outpouring of grief follows as the community pauses to reflect.

November 20, 2022
Hope for the future

The first to respond to Larila's death with action are the kids of South Hobart, who organize their own waterway clean up.

December 17, 2022
#StopTalkingRubbish & Fix McRobies Outfall

In terms of litter, the city tip is the biggest polluter of the Hobart Rivulet. Windblown litter and discharges flow directly into platypus habitat where several animals have become entangled. @hobartrivuletplatypus puts out a call to fix McRobies once and for all.

February 11, 2023
A city begins to talk

The Summer 2023 edition of City of Hobart's Bandicoot Times considers the question "What will be Larila's legacy?"

April 22, 2023
Larila's Seize it, Snip it, Bin it! campaign begins

Larila's litter awareness campaign begins - engaging local communities, schools, businesses and government.

May 03, 2023
Empowering the guardians of tomorrow

School students begin designing messaging and posters, and taking direction action - inspired by Larila's Legacy and the Seize it, Snip it, Bin it! campaign. 

May 06, 2023
State of the Rivulets report

The City of Hobart releases its first ever 'State of the Rivulets' report. Water ecologists describe the health of the lower Hobart Rivulet as "horrible". Reports are good, action is better.

June 01, 2023
Ripples across the pond

The Platypus Guardian premieres on ABC TV, with Larila's story at its core. Hearts are touched and tears are shed. The documentary will air around the world.

July 14, 2023
Under threat from all sides

ABC News publish an in depth article, using Larila's story to highlight the plight of Australia's platypus population.

#LarilasLegacy to be continued!

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