London Zoo is set to open the Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians experience this Easter.
Home to some of the planet’s most fascinating yet threatened species – including one of the world’s largest frogs, jewel-coloured geckos, and turtles with heads so big they cannot fit in their shells – Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians will introduce London Zoo’s visitors to wondrously weird creatures.
Greeted by a wall-climbing gecko statue upon entering, visitors will first get a glimpse into the Zoo’s specialist breeding and animal care areas, with the ‘behind-the-scenes’ bought to the fore in the new space. As well as putting the zookeepers on show, Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians will shine a spotlight on London Zoo’s global conservation efforts for the species they care for – as part of ZSL, a science-driven conservation charity.
In 2009, conservationists from London Zoo and other zoos airlifted the last few mountain chicken frogs to safety in a last-ditch attempt to save the species from extinction, a special unit was built and a breeding programme for the animals was established – but until now both the frogs and the incredible work being done behind the scenes to save them has been unseen by the conservation Zoo’s visitors.
Getting the chance to delve into ZSL’s vast scientific research, visitors can try their hand at swabbing a frog to test for chytrid, with a replica lab kit outside the frogs’ home.
Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians has been designed to meet every need of its inhabitants – with each of its 33 species having individual, and very precise, requirements for temperature, humidity, water quality and lighting. The custom-built facility features 11 different climate-controlled zones, more than 50 aquatic systems, and the Zoo’s specialist horticulture team have carefully planted each habitat to provide shade, egg laying sites, basking locations and camouflage areas for the very particular residents.
Click here to book your tickets to Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians.
