Breathtaking Close-Ups Reveal The Secret Life Of Reptiles And Amphibians

A mud-covered frog peeping out from its dark den and a bright blue ‘laughing’ lizard perched delicately on a tree branch are among a selection of stunning images captured by a celebrated photographer ahead of the opening of London Zoo’s Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians.

The photo of a Critically Endangered mountain chicken frog enjoying a mud-facial fronts an online gallery of images taken by renowned photographer Jamie Price, published on londonzoo.org this week.

Jamie - named by photography specialists Expert Photography and Shotkit on their list of the Most Influential Macro Photographers to Follow in 2024, and recognised for his striking macro-photography of native invertebrates and reptiles - turned his focus to London Zoo’s intriguing new inhabitants ahead of its new experience opening to the public this Easter.

The four-hour long photoshoot required a mix of painstaking preparation with lightning reactions thanks to some of the conservation Zoo’s more camera-shy species. While the roti-necked turtle was eager to be papped, Jamie had to move quickly to snap a photo of the turquoise dwarf gecko who made only a brief appearance from under a leaf.

The exclusive gallery features a close-up glimpse of the conservation Zoo’s colourful panther chameleon poking his bright yellow tongue out, a steely-eyed King Cobra, and an optical illusion-esque image of a perfectly camouflaged mossy frog.

Jamie said:
“As a wildlife macro-enthusiast, I love focussing in on the extraordinary details of the creatures I’m photographing – and these reptiles and amphibians at London Zoo have some of the most distinctive features of any animal I’ve captured.

“From the armour-like scales coating the Gidgee skinks to the completely camouflaged mossy frogs, it is great to be able to use my pictures to highlight and celebrate their uniqueness.”

Home to 33 species - from jewel-coloured geckos to turtles with heads so big they cannot fit in their shells - Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians will introduce London Zoo’s visitors to some of the planet’s most fascinating yet threatened species and shine a spotlight on the Zoo’s global conservation efforts to protect them - as part of ZSL, a science-driven conservation charity.

Dave Clarke, the Herpetology Section Manager at London Zoo, said:
“As a long-time fan of these animals, I’m acutely aware of the beauty and wonder to be found within reptiles and amphibians - I’m delighted to see a gallery of images devoted to showcasing just that.

“London Zoo’s new Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians provides custom-created habitats that will enable us to grow our conservation efforts for these diverse, unique and extraordinary species and allow our visitors to get closer than ever before – these photos give a wonderful preview of the amazing animals they’ll get to see!”

Opening for Easter weekend, Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians is a must-visit in London this spring. To find out more and book tickets for London Zoo, visit www.londonzoo.org