Before koalas became Australia’s iconic animal envoys, the nation experimented with an unusual diplomatic strategy—sending platypuses abroad as gifts. One such attempt in 1943 involved a young platypus destined for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, a man known for his fascination with exotic creatures.
The journey began in secrecy aboard a camouflaged ship departing Australia for England. The platypus, named Winston in honor of its intended recipient, was part of a calculated effort to strengthen ties as World War II encroached on the Pacific. But tragedy struck just days before arrival—the animal was found dead in its specially designed enclosure.
To avoid a diplomatic embarrassment, the incident was hushed up. The platypus was preserved and discreetly placed in Churchill’s office, while rumors circulated that its demise was caused by stress from nearby submarine attacks. For decades, the truth remained obscured—until recent investigations shed new light.
A Creature of Mystery
The platypus has long captivated the world with its bizarre features—a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail. Many early observers dismissed it as a taxidermist’s prank. Churchill, an avid collector of rare animals, was particularly eager to add one to his menagerie.
When Australian officials learned of his interest, they seized the opportunity, despite the challenges. Platypuses were notoriously difficult to transport, and none had ever survived such a long journey. Conservationist David Fleay, tasked with overseeing the mission, managed to negotiate the shipment down from six animals to just one.
A Doomed Voyage
Young Winston was carefully captured near Melbourne and placed in a custom-built enclosure stocked with fresh water and a diet of worms and duck egg custard. An attendant was assigned to monitor the platypus throughout the 45-day trip.
But as the ship crossed the equator, temperatures soared. Records later revealed that the water and air in Winston’s enclosure exceeded safe thresholds for the species. Despite a drop in temperature as the vessel neared England, the damage was irreversible—the platypus had succumbed to heat stress.
A Cover-Up and a Legacy
The official explanation at the time blamed German U-boats, suggesting the animal died from shock caused by depth charges. But archival research now points to a simpler, yet equally tragic, cause: poor temperature regulation.
Australia would attempt platypus diplomacy again in 1947, sending three to New York’s Bronx Zoo. Though initially celebrated, the venture ended in scandal and heartbreak, cementing the species’ reputation as ill-suited for international travel.
Today, strict export bans protect the platypus, with only two residing outside Australia—both in San Diego since 2019. The story of Winston serves as a cautionary tale of ambition, diplomacy, and the delicate balance required to care for one of nature’s most peculiar creatures.
