As the Princess and the Frog magical animated
Disney film shows to packed cinemas, a frog that needs the magic of
conservation takes centre stage at Shuttleworth College.
Poison dart frogs have arrived at Shuttleworth
College and will be part of a world-wide conservation and breeding
programme. The frogs are under threat of extinction in the tropical
rainforests of Central America and the work at Shuttleworth will be
a crucial part of their survival.
Carl Groombridge, Animal Unit Manager, at
Shuttleworth College explained:
“Our students will gain invaluable experience
from working with this endangered species of amphibian. They
will learn about conservation and the fact that amphibians are
under threat from global warming, and a global virus that is adding
to the urgency of conservation.”
‘Our breeding programme aims to maintain this
species for future generations and ultimately to release them back
into the tropical rainforests of Central America.”
“Part of the conservation and breeding
programme for students means learning about the flora and fauna
that are essential to the survival of these frogs and recreating
their habitat here in Bedfordshire.”
The Animal Care Centre is home to just about
every family of species in the world and habitats include a
tropical rainforest setting where recorded sounds of the forest
give an added dimension to the environment.
Students go to Shuttleworth to learn about
animal husbandry, how to create and build habitats from scratch to
meet wildlife standards and to develop breeding programmes. The aim
is to give students a taste of all aspects of animal welfare and
management in preparation for careers from practical hands-on jobs
to highly academic research and scientific opportunities, including
animal conservation programmes across the world.