What rare species did Gerald Durrell's collection include?

The collection includes specimens of the critically endangered mountain chicken frog and the skin of an endangered zebra duiker antelope.

Who donated Gerald Durrell's specimens to National Museums Scotland?

The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust donated over 550 specimens from Gerald Durrell's collection.

Why is Gerald Durrell's donation important for science?

The donation enhances research capabilities on endangered species, informing global conservation efforts and advancing conservation science.

Home / Environment / Durrell's Rare Species Find New Home at NMS

Durrell's Rare Species Find New Home at NMS

19 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Over 550 rare species specimens donated to National Museums Scotland.
Donation includes critically endangered mountain chicken frog.
Collection features zebra duiker antelope skin from Sierra Leone.

Durrell's Rare Species Find New Home at NMS

National Museums Scotland (NMS) is now home to a remarkable collection of over 550 specimens and samples, gifted by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. This significant donation enriches NMS's esteemed natural sciences collection, which boasts a 300-year history. The specimens will be available for critical scientific research, offering new insights into endangered species.

Among the donated items is a specimen of the critically endangered mountain chicken frog. This amphibian is a symbol of conservation urgency, with an estimated mere 23 individuals remaining in the wild on Dominica as of 2023. The collection also includes the skin of a zebra duiker, an antelope species vital to understanding biodiversity.

Gerald Durrell, a renowned conservationist and founder of Jersey Zoo, passed away in 1995. His legacy in wildlife advocacy continues through the trust. This donation, made during the centenary of his birth, underscores the trust's commitment to conservation science and protecting species from extinction.