I'm A Celebrity in Chaos as Toxic Toads Invade Camp
Environmental specialists have carried out a massive cull of around 38,000 poisonous cane toads near the filming site of ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity.” The invasive amphibians posed a serious threat to wildlife and the incoming celebrities preparing to enter the jungle camp.
Environmental Threat Before Show Launch
The brown cane toads, common across Australia, release a harmful milky secretion from glands behind their eyes when stressed. This mucus can cause nausea and vomiting if it comes into contact with human eyes or mouths, and may even lead to hospitalisation.
“The celebrities are always given a strict talk about what wildlife to avoid when they are in the camp, but it is quite easy to brush past one of these toads and get slime on your hands or people might think they are cute frogs and try to stroke them,” said a source.
Impact on Wildlife and Humans
The toxins are lethal to birds, dogs, and cats, and the toads’ explosive breeding rates make them one of Australia’s most challenging invasive species. Their population has soared to about 200 million across the country.
Filming Location
The upcoming season, featuring Ruby Wax, Jack Osbourne, and Kelly Brook, is set in the town of Murwillumbah, New South Wales—a region heavily affected by the toad infestation.
Author’s summary: A mass cull cleared tens of thousands of cane toads near the “I’m A Celebrity” set after environmental experts warned of severe risks to both wildlife and camp contestants.