Nature, The Platypus Guardian

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 8 PM
Thursday, Oct. 19, at 2 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 5 PM

When photographer Pete Walsh stumbles across a bizarre creature in an Australian urban waterway, he does not know his life is about to change forever. Witness the incredible bond between man and platypus.

Pete Walsh is a Tasmanian obsessed with one of nature’s least understood creatures, the platypus. An egg-laying, duck-billed, venom-spined, furry-coated underwater mammal, the platypus’ natural environment is in danger from urban development in the capital city of Hobart. With the help of experts, Pete embarks on a mission to rally his community and save the species before it is too late. 

During this endeavor, Pete befriends one particular female platypus he names “Zoom.” She lets him into her secretive world, and Pete learns more about the life of this enigmatic species, capturing unique footage of their behavior. Zoom’s behavior sheds light on platypus survival techniques and offers insight into how the species might be protected.  

“The bond between Pete and Zoom is a microcosm of a universal story celebrating the relationship we can all have with wildlife, even hidden right under our noses,” said Fred Kaufman, executive producer for NATURE. “As Pete beautifully puts it: ‘You can’t keep taking from nature.’ His journey is an inspiration for anyone looking to bring their community together and protect the world around them.”