Actor Anthony Head backs bid by zoo to save threatened amphibians
ACTOR Anthony Head has officially opened Paignton Zoo's new £100,000 amphibian ark.
The star, known for his work in Buffy, Little Britain and Dr Who, took time out from a fortnight's break in filming for Merlin.
It's hoped the wildlife rescue centre could become the hub of international efforts to save endangered species.
Mr Head said: "There is something like 6,000 recognised species of amphibians and 50 per cent of them are endangered or threatened. They are seriously under threat. We need amphibians, we really do."
The former Gold Blend advert star turned heads as he strolled through the 83 acre environmental park with long-term partner and animal behaviouralist Sarah Fisher.
Mr Head said: "This is my first visit to the zoo. I've been asked a few times but my schedule has been extremely busy, I'm glad to say, for the past couple of years. This one came up and I was delighted that I was able to partake.
"I find this subject fascinating although I know nothing about it, apart from the fact that I like frogs.
"It highlights the need for something like this project, the fact that the world at large is only just recognising how important they are to the ecosystem.
"Unfortunately it is indicative of the human condition that we need to dominate. We can achieve so much more by working with animals and studying animals. Amphibians specifically are a great guide as to what is going on in terms of pollution."
Miss Fisher said: "Looking at the animal kingdom is a direct reflection of what is going on in the world in general."
The amphibian ark aims to highlight the lives of frogs and toads and the global threats they face.
Although home to under 20 species, the site is still the largest collection of its type in the UK.
The work was done in two phases - the indoor rescue and reintroduction centre and indoor exhibits and a large water garden to highlight conservation of native species.
The centre is home to captive-bred species like the blue poison dart frog, which is classed as vulnerable, the phantasmal poison dart frog, which is endangered.
Staff have been working with relatively common amphibians to hone their keeping skills before taking on rarer species.
Amphibians curator Mike Bungard said the water garden links the exotic amphibians indoors with the idea of domestic garden conservation.
"Amphibians are affected by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, pesticides and the deadly chytrid fungus," he said.
"Unstoppable and untreatable in the wild, the fungus can kill 80 per cent of amphibians within months.
"The aim is to protect species from the fungus, possibly by taking animals from the wild and then reintroducing them when it is safe to do so.
"We hope the amphibian ark will inform and inspire visitors, breed rare species and become an internationally recognised training facility for specialists."
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