Here's why:
* Specialized Diet: Platypuses have a very specific diet consisting of freshwater invertebrates like shrimp, worms, and insects. Replicating this in captivity is challenging.
* Habitat Needs: They require a very specific habitat with clean, flowing water, burrows, and specific temperatures. Creating and maintaining such an environment is difficult and expensive.
* Sensitive Nature: Platypuses are sensitive to stress and change. They are prone to health issues when kept in captivity, even with the best care.
* Ethical Concerns: Some argue that keeping such unique and vulnerable creatures in captivity is unethical, as it limits their natural behaviors and exposes them to potential health problems.
Instead of keeping platypuses in US zoos, conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitat in Australia. You can learn about these amazing creatures through documentaries, wildlife parks in Australia, or online resources.