Norfolk zoo recognised for project to reintroduce rare frog into the wild

Banham Zoo's been shortlisted in the Great British Wildlife Restoration Competition for their efforts to release a rare frog back into the wild.

The Norfolk zoo's being recognised for rearing and reintroducing the northern pool frog.

The Great British Wildlife Restoration Competition is a prestigious scheme that highlights the work being done to restore native species in the country organised by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

It's for their ‘Pool Frogs Pods’ project- which aims to safeguard the frog from extinction by rearing and breeding them on-site before releasing them back into the wild.

Andy Hall, BIAZA’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager and the founder of the Great British Wildlife Restoration said:

"The shortlist shows the depth and breadth of work going on in our great British zoos and aquariums to save the nature on our doorstep.

"We need to recognise and reward this incredible work, and I hope politicians of all stripes will get behind these awards."

Sarah Lee, Group Head of Conservation, Zoological Society of East Anglia said:

"We are delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award, which highlights the work we are doing alongside our project partners to ultimately safeguard the future for the native northern pool frog."

"With all the challenges against nature such as habitat loss and climate change, it is vital that conservation organisations like ZSEA step up and face these challenges head-on to save species from further decline, whilst placing a spotlight on the incredible biodiversity we have here in the UK."

The northern pool frog was once native to the UK, before going extinct in 1995.

With the only known populations in Estonia and Sweden, special permission were needed to bring the very noisy and sun-loving amphibians from Sweden to re-establish a colony.

Banham Zoo’s ‘Pool Frog Pods’ project joins 22 other shortlisted projects.

As a shortlisted project, they'll be invited to a special awards evening at the House of the Speaker of the House of Commons in January.

The winner will have received the most votes from supportive Members of Parliament or Members of the House of Lords.

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