In a truly wild journey, eleven endangered male frogs traveled a whopping 7,000 miles to London Zoo—not for a vacation, but to help save their species from extinction. Their incredible trek paid off when they “gave birth” to 33 tiny froglets, marking a huge step forward for conservation efforts.

These little guys, known as Darwin’s frogs, are native to Parque Tantauco on a remote island off Chile’s coast. What makes them stand out? Unlike most frogs, the dads carry their tadpoles in their vocal sacs until they’re ready to emerge as froglets. Once grown, the male spits them out, a fascinating process that’s rare in the animal kingdom.

Sadly, Darwin’s frogs are in serious trouble. Their population has been devastated by a deadly fungus called chytrid, which has wiped out amphibians worldwide. To protect them, conservationists moved 52 healthy frogs to London Zoo in October 2024. The journey wasn’t easy—it involved a six-hour boat ride, a 15-hour drive, and a 14-hour flight, all in special climate-controlled boxes to keep the fragile frogs safe.

The arrival of 33 froglets is a big win for the species. Experts call it a “landmark moment” in their conservation, offering hope for the future. The ultimate goal? To eventually return the frogs to their natural habitat in Chile once the fungus is under control.

This story is proof that teamwork can make a difference, even for the tiniest creatures. It’s a reminder of the important role zoos and conservationists play in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.