Frogservation
Meet one of Australia’s endangered frogs and discover how WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is helping safeguard its future through breeding, research and conservation.
Breeding hope for an Australian endangered frog
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is working with the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Conservation Science and Amphibian Integrated Conservation Unit to help protect the endangered Littlejohn’s Tree Frog (Litoria littlejohni).
At our purpose-built Frogservation Lab in the heart of Sydney, our team is helping establish a genetically diverse breeding population, with the ultimate goal of supporting the recovery of this threatened Australian species in the wild.
A world-first conservation milestone
In 2026, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo launched its first on-site breed-for-release program for the endangered Littlejohn’s Tree Frog.
Within just 72 hours of arriving at the Frogservation Lab, the frogs produced three clutches of eggs, a milestone never before achieved for the species in a zoo setting.
Following more than a year of preparation and the development of a specialised biosecure breeding facility, the success marks an exciting step toward establishing an insurance population and supporting future reintroduction into the wild.
Meet the Littlejohn’s Tree Frog
Scientific name: Litoria littlejohni
Conservation status: Endangered
Size: Up to approximately 60 mm
Found in: Forests, woodlands, wetlands and creek habitats in New South Wales
Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs may be small, but their brown and grey speckled colouring helps them blend into their surroundings, with flashes of orange visible beneath their legs when they move. Shy and rarely seen, they’re often recognised by their distinctive low call.
Today, they survive in only a small number of isolated populations in New South Wales, with low genetic diversity adding further pressure to the species.
Why is the Littlejohn’s Tree Frog endangered?
Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs face several threats that can make it harder for their populations to survive and recover.
Habitat loss and disturbance
Changes to forests, wetlands and waterways can reduce the places frogs have available to feed, shelter and breed.
Climate change and intense bushfires
Changes in rainfall, drought, flooding and intense bushfires can alter or destroy the specialised habitats Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs depend on.
Chytrid disease
Chytrid is a fungal disease that affects amphibians and has contributed to frog declines in Australia and around the world.
Small and isolated populations
When populations become separated, frogs have fewer opportunities to breed with individuals from other populations. Over time, this can reduce genetic diversity and make populations less resilient.
Meet a Rare Aussie Frog
Small, elusive and endangered.
Built for Breeding
A specialised home designed to help frogs thrive.
Masters of Camouflage
Speckled colouring helps them blend into their surroundings.
Listen Closely
Their distinctive low call is often heard before they’re seen.
How Frogservation is helping
Protecting a species takes more than one action. Frogservation brings together breeding, habitat restoration, research and education to help give Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs a stronger future.
Rewild
Breed, raise and ultimately return Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs to the wild.
Our Frogservation Lab supports a carefully managed breeding population, helping increase the number of frogs available to support future conservation and reintroduction efforts.
Restore
Help restore habitat and strengthen genetic diversity.
University of Newcastle conservation scientists have helped establish more than 40 specially located ponds in the Watagans, creating breeding habitat and helping reconnect previously separated frog populations.
Genetic rescue and reproductive techniques are also being explored to strengthen genetic diversity and improve the resilience of populations over time.
Research
Use science to understand what Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs need to survive.
Researchers are studying breeding, genetics, disease, habitat and reproductive biology to better understand the species and develop conservation strategies that can support its long-term recovery.
This includes techniques such as genetic monitoring, assisted reproduction and sperm cryopreservation to help preserve valuable genetic diversity.
Reach
Connect people with conservation and inspire action for frogs.
By bringing Frogservation into WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, visitors can discover the conservation work taking place behind the scenes and learn why protecting frogs and their habitats matters.
Because protecting threatened species starts with understanding them.
Inside the Frogservation Lab
Our purpose-built Frogservation Lab provides a specialised environment where Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs can be carefully bred and raised under the watchful eye of our animal care team.
The facility has been designed to recreate important elements of their natural habitat, with specialised systems helping manage environmental conditions for adult frogs, eggs and developing tadpoles.
Guests visiting WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo can get a glimpse of the Frogservation Lab and learn more about the project during their visit.
Plan Your Visit
What can you do to help frogs?
Even small actions can help protect frogs and the habitats they call home.
- Keep waterways clean by recycling and putting rubbish in the correct bins.
- Save water to help protect precious freshwater habitats.
- Keep chemicals out of drains and waterways.
- Create frog-friendly spaces with native plants and access to clean water.
- Protect natural habitats and take care when exploring forests, wetlands and waterways.
- Support conservation projects helping threatened species recover.
See Frogservation at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Discover the Frogservation Lab during your next visit to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and learn how our team is helping protect one of Australia’s endangered frogs.
You can also join our Frogservation Keeper Talk to hear more about Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs and our breed-for-release conservation program.
View Keeper Talk Times
General Admission
-
Peak pricing applies to school holidays and weekends.
Ticket Type Weekdays Weekends, School Holidays & Public Holidays On the day Advanced Adult $49.00 $39.00 $49.00 Child $36.00 $26.00 $36.00 Concession $39.00 $29.00 $39.00 Child (0-1 yrs) FREE Please note: Our ticket pricing is subject to available capacity and prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand.
Peak pricing includes school holidays in other Australian states.
- Price includes Digi Photo Pass with 8 digital photos included (excludes Koala Photo experience)!
- Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
- Get your ticket on your phone
-
Ticket Type Weekdays Weekends, School Holidays & Public Holidays On the day Advanced Adult $49.00 $39.00 $49.00 Child $36.00 $26.00 $36.00 Concession $39.00 $29.00 $39.00 Child (0-1 yrs) FREE *All concession holders must have a valid concession/student/health care card to gain access to the attraction with a Student/Senior ticket.
Please note: Our ticket pricing is subject to available capacity and prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand.
2 Attraction Pass
- Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium within 60 days after visiting WILD LIFE
- Price includes Digi Photo Pass with 8 digital photos included!
-
Savings percentages are based on the maximum cost of purchasing individual entry tickets for each attraction when compared to purchasing a combo pass for the same date type (e.g. peak/off-peak, advance/on-the-day purchase).
Merlin Annual Pass
- 12 months of family fun at 8 top attractions in Australia and New Zealand
- Receive a great range of exclusive benefits and deals
- No blackout periods
- Pre-Booking is essential across all attractions
General Admission + Koala Photo
-
Peak pricing applies to school holidays and weekends.
Ticket Type Weekdays Weekends, School Holidays & Public Holidays On the day Advanced Adult $49.00 $39.00 $49.00 Child $36.00 $26.00 $36.00 Concession $39.00 $29.00 $39.00 Child (0-1 yrs) FREE Please note: Our ticket pricing is subject to available capacity and prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand.
Peak pricing includes school holidays in other Australian states.
- A memorable photo opportunity
- Private session with a koala keeper inside the enclosure
- Get your ticket on your phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Frogservation is WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s conservation program helping protect the endangered Littlejohn’s Tree Frog. Working with the University of Newcastle, the program combines conservation breeding, research, habitat restoration and education to support the species’ recovery.
