Thirty-three froglets have been born at London Zoo, marking a significant achievement in conservation efforts aimed at saving the endangered Darwin's frog from extinction. This milestone follows a challenging rescue mission that involved transporting eleven male frogs approximately 7,000 miles from Chile's Parque Tantauco, which has been devastated by the chytrid fungus.

Conservationists launched this emergency initiative after discovering a drastic 90% decline in the frog population within a year due to the insidious disease. Once thought to be a safe sanctuary for the species, the forests of Chiloé Island have seen populations plummet since the arrival of the fungal threat in 2023. The disease, known scientifically as amphibian chytridiomycosis, has already affected hundreds of amphibian species globally, making this rescue all the more crucial (AP News).

During a five-day expedition in October 2024, a dedicated team managed to locate and collect 52 healthy Darwin's frogs. The tiny creatures, known for their unusual reproductive method where males carry tadpoles in their vocal sacs, were transported in specially designed climate-controlled containers. Following a complex journey that involved a six-hour boat ride, a 15-hour car trip to Santiago, and a 14-hour flight to London, the frogs arrived at the zoo in good health (CNN).

Upon settling into their new facility at the zoo, several of the males began the birthing process, releasing a total of 33 froglets, each measuring approximately 5mm long. "This is a landmark moment for our work to protect the Darwin’s frog from the devastating impact of chytrid fungus," remarked Ben Tapley, curator of amphibians at London Zoo, emphasizing the hope these froglets symbolize for the future of their species (The Guardian).

As these froglets grow, conservationists are optimistic about further breeding efforts, which could play a crucial role in eventually reintroducing the species back into their natural habitat, once conditions are safer.

For more details on this remarkable conservation effort, read the full articles on AP News, BBC, CNN, and The Guardian.