Splash the Platypus & Robert Eadie
Splash
“The famous “Splash” has been in captivity at my home for a period of two years. This animal has presented opportunities for study which have never previously been afforded to any naturalist. Knowing the difficulties as I know them, I think it is extremely unlikely that the opportunity will ever again present itself” – these were the words of Robert Eadie, the first person ever to keep and tame a platypus . After obtaining the necessary permit from the Games and Fisheries Department, a young platypus was captured early one morning. It weighed 42 ounces and measured 15 inches in length. The naming of Splash eventuated at a dinner party where several naturalists had assembled. Several names were suggested, but eventually “Splash” was adopted as being the most appropriate. “Splash” was reared and tamed at Healesville, in the first “platypussary” in the world, built by Robert Eadie himself. During the four years of Splash’s life he had 1300 visitors and Robert Eadie’s work in this direction won world fame. Robert Eadie was able to gather information on this amazing animal and gained recognition as “an authority on the platypus”. When released in to the tank, Splash immediately disappeared through oneu0026hellip;
Robert Eadie
During July 1863, Robert Eadie, a colourful and very interesting character was born in Sunbury, Victoria, Robert Eadie was educated at both State and Technical Schools and thereafter completed his engineering studies to become a highly respected mining engineer. Robert Eadie, a skilled craftsman and ardent cricketer travelled widely and in 1896 emigrated to South Africa together with his wife, Eliza (nee Coverlid) . They had two daughters – Amy and Alice Maud. Robert Eadie spent a large part of his working life in South Africa and during this time he became a colliery owner and was later in 1914 elected Mayor of Witbank in the Transvaal. He held this position for a period of seven years until 1922. During the Boer War, Robert Eadie was a prominent figure, helping to hide Winston Churchill and ensure his safe return to the British lines and being acquainted with figures like Mahatma Ghandi. His wife (Eliza), supported him in whatever work he undertook and also toiled tirelessly with an army of women workers for the Red Cross during the Boer War. On the soldiers return from the war, Eliza Eadie was presented with a gold medal, suitably inscribed. Most significant, was Robertu0026hellip;
The Platypus
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Robert Eadie & Splash the Platypus
video compiled by Stewart Jones (great great grandson)