Taronga Zoo pledge to save the platypus

An Australian zoo has unveiled a plan to save one of the world's most unusual and endangered animals from extinction.

The platypus - described as having the body of an otter but the face of a duck - is native to eastern Australia.

Taronga Zoo in Sydney has announced it will create a refuge for 65 platypuses, to be funded by the New South Wales government.

The immediate aim is to protect the creatures from bush fires, drought and disease outbreaks, said Cameron Kerr, the head of the Taronga Conservation Society.

His announcement on Wednesday coincided with World Wildlife Day.

Scientists at Taronga suggest that without action, the platypus could go extinct within 50 years.

The broader goal is to save 200 threatened species in New South Wales.

"This strategic plan is all about ensuring those endangered species not only survive but thrive into the future," said New South Wales environment minister Matt Kean.