Northern Corrobboree Frogs and koalas evacuated to the Australian National University during the Orroral Valley Fire have returned to their facilities at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. ACT Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman explained that a population of 450 Northern Corrobboree Frogs was moved to purpose-built tanks at the ANU on 30 January as fires moved north west from Namadgi National Park. Northern Corroboree Frogs are critically endangered in the wild and they are part of Tidbinbilla’s threatened species breeding program.
The Minister went on to point out that their safe return to Tidbinbilla is a triumph in our ongoing efforts to reintroduce the critically endangered species into the wild. Many of the frogs that have returned today will be released to Namadgi’s sensitive alpine areas later in the year.

“The massive biodiversity loss suffered this bushfire season and changing climate mean conserving endangered native populations is more important than ever. Koalas, Jed, Billa, Scully, Yellow, Gulu and a new joey were also transported to purpose-built facilities at the ANU on 30 January where they received expert care from ANU staff. They will now be monitored closely behind closed doors at Tidbinbilla before their return to the outdoor enclosure in the coming weeks.” Minister Gentleman commented “I thank the ANU for their valuable assistance in providing suitable habitat, warm hospitality and incredible care for our threatened species. Their efforts have helped the survival of some of the ACT’s most iconic animals.”
Minister Gentleman explained that the animal’s absence from Tidbinbilla has been used to effectively prepare the facilities to be safer from the threat of fire. Our teams have put in containment lines, removed vegetation around key enclosures and installed sprinkler systems in holding areas.
“I now look forward to the safe return of our other threatened species over the coming weeks that have been evacuated to safe zones since the beginning of the year. This includes 24 eastern bettongs and 24 brush-tailed rock-wallabies evacuated by Australian Defence Force to Mt Rothwell in Victoria, and a further 4 rock-wallabies and 7 platypuses which have been receiving on-going care at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.” Minister Gentleman commented.