SEATTLE
- Earth
is facing the single largest mass extinction since the disappearance
of dinosaurs. After thriving
for more than 360 million years, at least half of the world’s
more than 6,000 known amphibian species could go extinct in our
lifetime. Frogs do matter and, to draw attention to the plight
of these species, Woodland Park Zoo joins conservation partners
around the world in a campaign to address: where have all the frogs
gone?
Photo: Mike Teller
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has declared 2008
as the “Year of the Frog,” a globally coordinated
campaign led by Amphibian Ark to raise awareness about the
extinction crisis,
engage the public in amphibian conservation and raise funds
for Amphibian Ark efforts into the future. In coordination
with the
World Conservation Union and the World Association of Zoos
and Aquariums, Amphibian Ark has inspired many organizations
internationally
to participate in the campaign.
Beginning on Leap Day, more than 70 AZA institutions are holding
fun, family-friendly events to inspire the public to learn
about and support amphibian conservation. Woodland Park Zoo is hosting
Leap Day at the Zoo, Friday, February 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. Kids are invited to visit a froggy crafts area to create
their
own frog mask and decorate an amphibian mural. At 1:00, Froggy
Frolic leads kids on a small adventure of leaping, croaking
and
ribbiting their way to visit the zoo’s frogs, toads and
amphibians on exhibit. Zoomazium will feature a day of programming
with an
amphibian focus. Free admission is offered for kids ages 3-12
dressed in green or other frog-themed gear. Activities are
free with zoo
admission.
The ancient class of amphibians includes salamanders, newts,
an obscure group of legless creatures known as caecilians and,
of
course, the icons, frogs and toads. Like other animals, amphibians
face the major threats of habitat loss, climate change, pollution
and pesticides, overharvesting for food and the pet trade.
“
The most immediate worldwide threat to amphibians, however, is
a parasitic fungus called amphibian chytrid, which causes neurological
damage and death,” says Dana Payne, an animal curator at
Woodland Park Zoo who specializes in reptiles and amphibians. The
deadly disease is extirpating hundreds of amphibian species and
has quickly spread from Africa across the planet over the past
30 to 40 years. The fungus has been markedly lethal in Central
America and is currently unstoppable and untreatable. The microscopic
parasite invades the surface layers of the frog’s skin, making
it difficult for them to use their pores and regulate water intake. “Since
their skin is so permeable, amphibians are sentinels for us that
something is not right in the environment. When they’re dropping
off the face of the planet, especially at this alarming pace, it’s
an early warning to other species, including humans.”
In addition to raising public awareness, AZA has rallied its
members to help meet this conservation challenge by taking in
and breeding
endangered frog species until the fungus can be stopped and they
can
be safely released back into the wild. Woodland Park Zoo is developing
a captive head starting program for the locally endangered Oregon
spotted frog and collaborating with Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to create a draft recovery plan for
the species.
Woodland Park will begin caring for frog eggs to metamorphosis
in 2009. The plan to restore populations of the frogs to their
former historic range and establish self-sustaining wild populations
is a part of a regional effort among the Northwest Alliance of
Zoos and Aquariums, which includes Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon
Zoo, Northwest Trek, WDFW and other partners.
Woodland Park Zoo invites the community to leap into action by
participating in other frog-friendly and wildlife-friendly activities:
EcoWeekend at Woodland Park Zoo, April 3, 4, 5 and 6
If you like frogs, celebrate the environment, animals, and habitat
conservation with a fun and family-friendly series of special
days at the zoo:
Leap Through the Zoo, April 3, 9:30-11:00 a.m. – A
walk/run/leap for kids and their families around the zoo. Every kid
gets a prize
and the chance to learn about our leaping friends, the frogs!
Primarily Primates, April 4, 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Special
keeper talks and animal enrichment activities at gorilla, orangutan,
siamang and primate exhibits throughout the zoo.
Bear Affair and Wolf Awareness Day, April 5, 9:30 a.m.-3:30
p.m. – Enjoy
keeper talks, enrichment treats for the bears and wolves, mini-presentations
on wild grizzly bears and conservation by the Grizzly Bear Outreach
Project (GBOP), and a non-safe campsite demonstration as the zoo’s
grizzlies tear through a non-safe campsite set up in their
exhibit.
Coffee and Chocolate Festival and Zoo Green Efforts, April
6, 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly
coffees and chocolates from around the world. Indulge in tasty
samples from local vendors! Features activities to highlight Northwest
Natural Yard Days – learn new strategies for caring for
your lawns, yards and backyard habitats.
Backyard Habitat Workshop at the Zoo, begins April 7 – Join
the zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon Society,
and Washington Native Plant Society for a four-part workshop
on creating a backyard habitat for wildlife. Cost: $55 (or $100 per
couple); $35 for Phinney Neighborhood Association members.
For
more information or to register, cal 206.548.2424 or email
jenny.mears@zoo.org.
Water Features for Wildlife, May 21, 7:00-9:30 p.m. – Clean,
fresh water is a crucial part of any habitat. Join Woodland
Park Zoo and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff and
discover
a variety of ways you can provide water for urban wildlife
in your own backyard. See examples of different types of water features,
such as ponds, birdbaths and fountains; and learn about the
natural
history of local amphibians and how to provide habitat for
these sensitive animals. Cost: $20 ($15 for zoo staff and volunteers).
For more information, email jenny.mears@zoo.org or call 206-548-2424.
Woodland Park Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. daily through April 30, and 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily May
1 through September
30. Admission fees through April 30: Adult (13-64) $11.00;
Child (3-12) $8.00. May 1-September 30: Adult (13-64) $15; Child
(3-12)
$10. Free for children 2 and under year round. Seniors and
people with disabilities receive a discount and zoo members receive
free
zoo admission year round. Parking: $4.50. Consider taking the
bus, biking, walking or carpooling. Conserving resources is one more
way of helping the animals. Call Metro at 206.553.3000 for
bus
service to the zoo.
