For the first time in 50 years, the Royal National Park is home to a colony of platypuses.

Last Friday five female platypuses were released in the national park with four males set to follow in the coming weeks.

The aim of the joint project between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia is to re-establish a self-sustaining and genetically diverse local platypus population.

The mammals were collected from the state’s south before being transferred to Targona Zoo’s platypus refuge where they underwent health checks.

The platypuses were also fitted with liquorice bullet-sized transmitters which will be monitored by UNSW and WWF-Australia.

Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said she was humbled to witness the release of the platypuses.

“It was a big moment for platypuses, the national park and our local community,” Mrs Stuart said.

“It has been 50 years since platypuses called the Royal National Park home.

“Thank you to all the organisations who were involved in this hugely important joint project over many years.

“We as locals are so proud of our Royal National Park – the second oldest in the world – protecting our environment and these vulnerable mammals.

“I look forward to seeing the success of this program in the coming months and years.”