Ep 9. Race to Save the Platypus

The show Crikey! It's the Irwins follows the life and work of the Irwin family, the most famous family of wildlife conservationists in the world. Their passion for the environment and its creatures has been handed down from generation to generation, and they continue to carry it forward in their daily work at the Australia Zoo and beyond.

In season 1, episode 9, titled "Race to Save the Platypus," the Irwins embark on a mission to save one of Australia's most unique and beloved animals, the platypus. Known for their duck-like bills, webbed feet, and beaver-like tail, platypuses are often seen as a symbol of Australia's rich biodiversity. However, they are facing serious threats due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, and their populations are declining rapidly.

As the Irwins explain in the episode, platypuses are often seen as a "canary in the coal mine" for the health of rivers and wetlands, as they are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. This makes them an important indicator species for monitoring the health of freshwater ecosystems, which are crucial for human and animal life.

To raise awareness and funds for platypus conservation, the Irwins organize a "Race to Save the Platypus," a charity event that involves a team of researchers, volunteers, and celebrities competing in a series of challenges centered around platypus ecology and conservation. Each team is assigned a platypus to track and monitor using radio telemetry, a method that involves attaching small transmitters to animals to study their movements and behaviors.

During the challenges, the teams learn about the threats facing platypuses and the importance of preserving their habitat. They also face unexpected setbacks and challenges, such as a sudden storm that floods the rivers and makes it difficult to track the animals.

Throughout the episode, the Irwins provide commentary and insights on the importance of platypus conservation, drawing on their extensive knowledge and experience as wildlife experts. They are joined by special guests, including actor Eric Bana, who is a strong advocate for platypus conservation and supports the Irwins' efforts to protect these unique animals.

In the end, the winning team of the "Race to Save the Platypus" is announced, but the real winners are the platypuses themselves, whose plight has been brought to the forefront of public attention. The Irwins continue their work to protect these animals and raise awareness about the need to preserve our planet's precious biodiversity.

Overall, "Race to Save the Platypus" is a heartwarming and informative episode that highlights the Irwins' dedication to wildlife conservation and their efforts to inspire others to join in the fight to protect our planet's incredible creatures. It reminds us of the urgent need to take action to protect endangered species and preserve our natural world for future generations.