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Wildlife authorities are investigating an apparent case of animal cruelty in Albury where three platypuses were found dead in the botanic gardens.

'Despicable act of cruelty': Platypuses found decapitated in Albury botanic gardens Credit:Adelaide University

Two of the animals appeared to have been deliberately decapitated with sharp objects, according to a veterinarian who examined their bodies.

Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Murray River secretary Hazel Cook said the platypuses had been found over the past five weeks in different areas of the gardens, with the most recent found on Wednesday.