11 Facts About David Fleay

David Fleay left for Melbourne in 1927 to study for a Bachelor of Science degree and Diploma of Education at Melbourne University.

David Fleay was employed as a teacher in Ballarat until 1934.

David Fleay realised the importance of endangered species early in his career when, in 1933, he was the last person to photograph a captive thylacine or Tasmanian tiger at the Hobart Zoo.

In 1934, David Fleay was asked to design and establish the Australian animal section at Melbourne Zoo, and worked there for four years.

David Fleay commenced research into the breeding habits of the platypus.

Later that year, disagreements with the zoo's management came to a head and David Fleay was dismissed, principally because of his belief that native birds and animals should be fed what they would eat in the wild.

In 1962 David Fleay co-founded the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland with Judith Wright, Brian Clouston and Kathleen McArthur.

David Fleay's platypusary incorporated features of their native streams.

No-one other than David Fleay successfully bred and reared a platypus until 1998 when Healseville Sanctuary again had success.

David Fleay was keeping a private collection of animals, but in 1951 the Government of Victoria legislated to prevent private individuals from charging fees for the public to see animal collections.

David Fleay retained these heritage areas, and maintained good relationships with the Kombumerri.