Introducing Michael Vella

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Amphibian conservation specialist

“Frogs might be very small, but they play a massive role on our planet. Not only for the greater ecosystem but for us humans as well.” – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Amphibian Specialist Michael Vella

When it comes to Frogs, and especially Kroombit Tinkerfrogs, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who knows more about the topic than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Michael Vella.

Michael has worked at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for nearly 14 years now.

“The best thing about working at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is being around all of the animals, but I also feel very lucky to work with such passionate and dedicated individuals, and to have the opportunity to make a difference through conservation.” – Michael Vella

For the last 10 years Michael has been leading the way with the Kroombit Tinkerfrog conservation program.

There are potentially less than 150 individual Kroombit Tinkerfrogs left in the wild today.

In 2020 Michael Vella’s team at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary team, with the support of a number of other organisations, was the first in the world, to successfully breed a critically endangered Kroombit Tinkerfrog in captivity.

Recently the Kroombit Tinkerfrog conservation program has been expanded, with a new purpose built, state of the art, breeding facility. “The Frog Lab” is now up and running at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, with visitors welcome to drop by and see the program up close.

The new Frog Lab and Michael’s ongoing research, would not be possible without generous funding from the Australian Federal Government, QLD State Government and a number of other vital organisations.

Visit Michael and the new Frog Lab at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary today and Donate to the Kroombit Tinkerfrog Conservation program.