After thriving for over 360 million years, amphibians are facing the single largest mass extinction on earth since the dinosaurs! To raise awareness of this crisis and to raise vital funds to help fight it, Folly Farm, Begelly, is participating in the world-wide 'Year of the Frog Campaign'. There are many reasons for the disappearance of these creatures. They are severely affected by climate change, habitat loss and pollution, but the main threat is a parasitic fungus called amphibian chytrid, a disease that is deadly to hundreds of amphibian species. Over the past 30-40 years, it has quickly spread from Africa across the planet and is currently unstoppable and untreatable in the wild, even in the protected areas. Amphibians are a critical part of a healthy natural world, not only are they a beautiful part of nature but an important part of the food web. They minimise the spread of diseases, including malaria, by preying on pest insects. Zookeeper Lindsay Walker said: "I'm very excited to be part of a project which aims to help prevent the extinction of such a fascinating group of amphibians. I am currently putting together a few fund-raising activities which will take part on the park in the near future, so please come along and join in!" Folly Farm has plenty to see and do this May Bank Holiday weekend with Jugglestruck and Chunkie Russell shows, in the Follies Theatre, while a new dog agility display, K9 capers, will be entertaining all in the outdoor arena.
