The duck-billed, web-footed, paddle-tailed, fur-covered platypus used not to look so peculiar. The platypus used to play in the bush, chasing bugs and butterflies, nipping the emus long skinny legs, and running up and down the tails of kangaroos. One day the little platypus, with the help of the fire spirit, became the curious creature we know today, found diving, swimming and floating in the billabongs and rivers of the bush.