New Documentary Takes A Look At Endangered Frogs And The Struggles And Triumphs Of Conservation

March 18, 2025

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The arrival of 33 newly hatched frogs at the London Zoo marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to rescue a rare and endangered amphibian species.

These frogs, known as Southern Darwin’s frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii), are named after the legendary naturalist Charles Darwin, who first documented their existence during his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle in the early 19th century.

This extraordinary conservation achievement represents a beacon of hope for a species whose survival has been increasingly threatened by a deadly fungal disease sweeping through its native habitat in Chile.

The chytrid fungus, a lethal pathogen responsible for devastating amphibian populations worldwide, posed an existential threat to the Southern Darwin’s frog. This microscopic fungus disrupts the skin’s ability to regulate essential functions, leading to fatal consequences for infected amphibians. Once introduced into the lush forests of Chile, the fungus began wreaking havoc, causing an alarming 90% decline in monitored populations within just one year.

Conservationists, recognizing the urgency of the situation, devised a plan to ensure the frogs’ survival while working towards a long-term solution to combat the disease in their native environment.

In October of last year, an international team of conservationists undertook a high-stakes mission to rescue a group of these tiny frogs from their increasingly hostile habitat. This ambitious 7,000-mile journey led the team to a remote island off the coast of Chile, where they carefully retrieved 52 healthy individuals, free of the chytrid fungus.

These frogs were then transported in specially designed, climate-controlled containers to ensure their safety throughout the arduous journey. The trek to their new sanctuary at the London Zoo involved multiple stages: a six-hour boat ride, a grueling 15-hour drive to Santiago, and a final flight across the Atlantic to Heathrow Airport.

The expedition was captured on film by wildlife filmmaker Paul Glynn, whose documentary A Leap of Hope chronicles the challenges and triumphs of this rescue mission. The film is set to premiere on YouTube, offering audiences a glimpse into the tireless efforts behind this groundbreaking conservation initiative.

Ben Tapley, Curator of Amphibians at the London Zoo, described the momentous occasion, stating, “This is a landmark moment in our work to protect the Darwin’s frog from the devastating impact of chytrid fungus.”

He emphasized the significance of the newly hatched froglets, explaining, “The successful parent-rearing of these froglets is a powerful symbol of hope for the species, and highlights what can be achieved when conservationists work together.”

Reflecting on the urgency of their mission, he added, “We knew we were embarking on something special. The clock was ticking, and we needed to act quickly if we were going to save these frogs—and capturing this work on film has really cemented just how vital our work is.”

The Southern Darwin’s frog is unique among amphibians due to its rare method of parental care. Unlike most frog species, where eggs are left to develop independently in water, male Darwin’s frogs take an active role in the survival of their offspring.

After fertilization, the male carries the developing tadpoles inside his vocal sac, providing a secure environment where they can safely mature. This remarkable adaptation is shared only by the Northern Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma rufum), a species that may now be extinct. In this recent conservation success, 11 of the rescued male frogs took on the role of brooders, each carrying and nurturing their tiny offspring until they were ready to emerge as fully formed froglets.

With the arrival of 33 new frogs, and the potential for more to hatch in the coming weeks, the London Zoo has taken a critical step toward ensuring the survival of this extraordinary species. The goal is not only to establish a thriving population in captivity but also to develop strategies for reintroducing these frogs into a safer, chytrid-free habitat in Chile.

Andres Valenzuela-Sanchez, a research fellow at the Zoological Society of London’s Institute of Zoology, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating, “By working with partners in Chile, we’re able to safeguard these frogs in their new home at London Zoo, ensuring that this unique species has a fighting chance of recovery.”

He further emphasized the broader implications of their work, adding, “These frogs are not only vital for the future of their species but also help us better understand how we can combat chytrid fungus and safeguard other amphibians globally.”

The fight against chytrid fungus remains one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time, having already affected over 500 amphibian species. While scientists continue to explore solutions to mitigate its spread in the wild, initiatives like the Darwin’s frog rescue provide a crucial lifeline for species on the brink of extinction.

The dedication and collaboration of conservationists, researchers, and institutions like the London Zoo serve as a testament to what can be achieved when science and passion come together to protect our planet’s most vulnerable creatures.

With cautious optimism, conservationists hope that the success of this breeding program will pave the way for future reintroduction efforts. By fostering a sustainable population in captivity and gaining a deeper understanding of how to combat the deadly fungus, they aspire to one day return these frogs to their native forests, ensuring that Darwin’s remarkable discovery continues to thrive for generations to come.

As the world tunes in to A Leap of Hope, the story of the Southern Darwin’s frogs serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature—and the unwavering determination of those fighting to save it.

Take a sneak peek at the documentary in the video below.