Veterinarian caring for a pet at Platypus Veterinary Clinic
Ctra. de Sanlúcar, 10, local 10A

Our patients, our priority

+15

Years of experience

+5,000

Patients treated

Facade of the Platypus Veterinary Clinic in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain

Do we treat platypuses at Centro Veterinario Ornitorrinco? The answer is no. And do you know why? Because platypuses are such special animals that their country of origin's legislation doesn't allow any specimens to be exported. But if they could travel and one came to visit us... we would treat it!

We put all our experience, passion and knowledge at the service of animal welfare. Whether dogs, cats or exotics like birds, reptiles, amphibians or rabbits... they are welcome!

We will advise you and give you the best guidance to preserve your pet's health, always in a clear and individualized way, offering you the best medical and surgical solution.

Personalized care
All species
Expert advice
Team

Dedicated professionals

Elisa and Javier, together with their team of professionals and animal lovers, put over 15 years of experience at your service. Over these years, many patients have been successfully treated and continuous training and specialisations keep us at the forefront of veterinary advances.

Javier
Veterinarian

Javier

Exotic Animal Medicine & Surgery

Over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine.

Elisa
Veterinarian

Elisa

Internal Medicine & Ultrasound

Over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine.

+15

Years of experience

Medicine & Surgery

24h

Emergency available

🐾

All species

Our patients, our priority. Advanced veterinary medicine with the care and dedication they deserve.

Platypus World

The Fascinating World of the Platypus

Why Centro Veterinario Ornitorrinco? Passionate about the animal world and nature lovers, we came across what is perhaps the most special and curious animal in the world. A mammal that lays eggs, has a duck-like bill, a beaver-like body, males have venomous spurs, and is territorial but not aggressive.

It's an animal with such special characteristics and so many curiosities that we decided to give it its own section!

...want to know more?

What is the Platypus?

What is the Platypus?

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal that belongs to the order Monotremata, meaning it lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Despite this, it nurses its young with milk secreted through pores in its skin, as the female has no nipples.

Habitat

Habitat

It is endemic to Australia and Tasmania, where it lives in freshwater rivers, streams and creeks, building complex burrows in the banks.

Unique Appearance

Unique Appearance

It has a mix of characteristics:
• A broad, flat snout resembling a duck's bill.
• A wide, flat tail similar to a beaver's, used for fat storage.
• Webbed feet, making it an excellent swimmer.

Feeding & Senses

Feeding & Senses

It is carnivorous and its diet includes aquatic insects, crustaceans, worms and small fish. It uses a sense called electrolocation through its sensitive bill to detect the faint electrical signals emitted by its prey as they move underwater.

Venom

Venom

The male platypus is one of the few venomous mammals. It has a venomous spur on the heel of its hind legs, used mainly to defend its territory or during mating season. Its venom is not fatal to humans, but it is extremely painful.

Behaviour

Behaviour

They are solitary animals, generally nocturnal and crepuscular. Their walk on land resembles that of a reptile, as their legs are positioned at the sides of the body. They are territorial but avoid conflict. When two males share bordering areas, they organise themselves to take turns using those zones.

Conservation Status

Conservation Status

It is currently listed as Near Threatened due to threats to its habitat such as pollution and human development.

Our Goal

The platypus, an animal so magical it seems to be made of "fragments" of multiple animals. Full of details and curiosities to discover and get to know them in depth. The most special patient. What better animal to represent us!

That our patients feel as "unique and special as a platypus"

Gallery

Image gallery

Get to know our facilities and some of our patients.

Contact

How can we help you?

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Opening Hours

Monday 9:30 - 20:00
Tuesday 9:30 - 20:00
Wednesday 9:30 - 20:00
Thursday 9:30 - 20:00
Friday 9:30 - 20:00
Saturday 10:00 - 13:00
Sunday Closed
24-Hour Emergencies Phone
24/7

Ctra. de Sanlúcar, 10, local 10A

11500 El Puerto de Santa María

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