Zoo worker set to take leap of faith for frogs

AN Edinburgh Zoo worker is set to abseil from the Forth Bridge dressed as a frog as part of a fundraising drive.

Polly Phillpot, the zoo's senior education officer, will descend 165 feet to raise cash for the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) 2008 Year of the Frog Campaign.

The main goal of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of the serious plight facing frogs and amphibians.

The funds raised will help support Amphibian Ark, a programme co-ordinated by the World Conservation Union, and finance regional initiatives such as rescues, training workshops and cooperatively managed centres.

Ms Phillpot, who will be taking the plunge tomorrow, said: "Amphibians play an important role in ecosystems and are essential environmental indicators for climate change, therefore holding great importance in scientific research.

"It would be catastrophic and tragic to lose such a key group of animals.

"I hope my leap will be a hopping success to raise funds in support of the EAZA campaign."