General News
8 October, 2025
Vital work faces croak
AUSTRALIA’S first dedicated frog hospital faces closure unless it can urgently relocate from its unsuitable Innisfail rental property.
Frog Safe Inc., founded in 1998, has already been forced to relocate seven times, typically due to landlords selling their properties.
Director Deborah Pergolotti said the current house, built in the 1940s, is “the worst yet” for their work.
“There are no trees, no space, it floods and it’s compromising my health, as well as the frogs’,” Ms Pergolotti said.
“We can’t release or breed frogs here, we can’t do tadpole rescues and we’ve run out of room to house sick animals.”
The group is also about to begin a major cancer investigation project with the University of Queensland, examining why frogs in Far North Queensland have some of the highest cancer rates in the world.
In December, Frog Safe will host its first training session for veterinary students from Sydney University.
“Without a proper facility, the cancer investigation, student training and much of our rescue work simply can’t happen,” Ms Pergolotti said.
The organisation is appealing for a benefactor or property owner willing to buy or provide a suitable house on acreage within reach of Cairns or Townsville airports.
Frog Safe says it could pay about $450 a week in long-term rent and would improve the property through environmental upgrades.
Ms Pergolotti warned that if Frog Safe shuts down, the region risks losing its only specialised frog hospital, leaving vets and the community without support for sick or injured frogs.
“Frogs are sensitive environmental indicators,” she said. “If they are suffering widespread diseases and cancers, it signals problems that affect the whole ecosystem and potentially us too.”
Frog Safe is urging anyone who can help to get in touch via admin@frogsafe.org.au – or call (07) 4006 3784.
