The London Zoo welcomed 33 rare froglets, which were carried by their fathers during the incubation process.

Darwin's Rhyacophilus – a water frog discovered by the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin – is found only in the wild in southern Chile and Argentina, and is notable for its unique breeding method. After fertilization, the males gather the eggs in their mouths and carry them until the tadpoles hatch, after which they release their offspring into the wild.

In 2023, it was revealed that the population of Darwin's Rhyacophilus has declined by 90% due to a fungus deemed the most lethal to amphibians. Over the past thirty years, this fungus has spread globally, wiping out at least 90 species and affecting hundreds more. Infected frogs die within a few weeks.

Scientists rushed to a Chilean national park to rescue the frogs. In October 2024, they managed to catch 55 Rhyacophilus, aided by local guides who expertly mimicked the frogs' calls. Two of them were already infected, while the others were transported to the London Zoo, to a specially equipped area simulating their natural habitat.

By that time, several males were pregnant and after three months, they released tadpoles. The zoo hopes to breed Rhyacophilus and find a cure for the fungus, enabling the frogs to return home. A film about the rescue of Darwin's Rhyacophilus will be shown on YouTube today, February 3rd.