The 2012 Zoo Animals Series follows on from the success of the Ocean, Land and Air series. The Zoo Animals series was
released to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Zoo. The series encompasses six, uncirculated coins, each
depicting a unique exotic animal that can be found at the Melbourne Zoo; the Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo, Sumatran Tiger,
Orang-utan, Western Lowland Gorilla, Southern Corroboree Frog, and Asian Elephant.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2012)
The series was periodically released in pairs throughout the year in specially design cards. The Southern Corroboree Frog
was part of the second release, alongside the Sumatran Tiger. The stunning Southern Corroboree Frog can only be found within
small segments of the Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales. The frog features bright yellow and black strips and grows
to approximately 3 cm. Although protected by oozing toxin, the frog has become Critically Endangered due predominately to
the chytrid fungus.
(Carolyn Barry, 2014)
It is estimated in 2014 that less than 50 remained in the wild. The Melbourne Zoo is currently
home to almost one hundred.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2012)
Using a colour/pad printing process, the Mint perfectly captures
the vibrant colours of this species. The reverse was created by first
striking the coin with a very detailed relief then applying coloured ink to further enhance the design.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2008)
The result is eye-catching with precise, vivid details and intense colour, paying artistic homage to this stunning species.
The obverse features Ian Rank-Broadley's image of Queen Elizabeth II.
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