Zoo’s will highlight 2008 as the Year of the Frog

After heavy summer rains El Pasoans living near low areas often hear the hoarse and snore-like calls of the Couch’s spade-foot toad. Listen to the call of a spade-foot toad.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums will highlight 2008 as the Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address the amphibian extinction crisis. The Year of the Frog is also meant to engage the public in amphibian conservation and to raise funds for AZA amphibian conservation efforts into the future.

The Zoo is celebrating the Year of the Frog, a major nation wide conservation effort. We hope that you will spend part of your visit today learning about frogs and other amphibians. Join us in the Cisneros Paraje (to the left of the Sea Lion Exhibit) from 10:30am to 4:30pm where you can see live frogs and learn about frogs that live in El Paso and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. On your way to the Paraje near the Prairie Dog exhibit you can learn about how you and your family can share habitats with frogs.

In addition to the live frogs in the Paraje other discovery stations will be open from 10:30am to 3:30pm near the Mexican Wolf Exhibit, the Americas Aviary and in the American Biome building. The Asombro Institute will have a special frog activity for Children along the walk way into Asia.

Listen and Learn about the Frogs and Toads of Texas
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/texas_nature_trackers/amphibian_watch/amphibian_species/

August 2-3 (Saturday & Sunday) Frogfest: Year of the Frog
Ribbit, Ribbit, Ribbit! This Leap Year, our El Paso Zoo is jumping in to join froggy friends like Kermit™ and other Association of Zoos and Aquarium zoos nationwide to celebrate frogs and bring awareness of man-made problems for all amphibians. (Our favorite froggy friend Kermit is even starring in some TV ads spreading awareness about “The Year of the Frog” ). So, hop on down to the El Paso Zoo to find out how you can help frogs. Ribbit!

Top 12 things you can do to help amphibians:

Sign up to be a friend of frogs! Yes, I want to help save amphibians. Please send me information about how I can help raise awareness, take conservation action and support the global 2008 Year of the Frog campaign.

1. Learn about amphibians.
How much do you already know? With over 5,300 species worldwide, even the world's leading amphibian experts know there's more to learn! So, pick up a book, hop around the Internet or watch your favorite animal show on TV for more fascinating froggy facts. FREE DOWNLOAD – IUCN Amphibian Action Plan

2. Visit amphibians from around the world.
Have your very own amphibian adventure at your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium. Zoos and aquariums are some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians, especially species that are found in other climates and countries, like South America, Africa and Asia.

3. Don't let the garbage get them.
Just like you, amphibians need clean water and fresh air to be happy and healthy. Do your part to keep garbage and chemicals out of the natural environment. The amphibians will "toadally" appreciate it.

4. Look for them nearby.
Chances are there are amphibians living in your neighborhood and maybe even in your own backyard. Not so sure? Spring and summer are the best times to look and listen for signs of amphibians. Explore your neighborhood and get ready for a hoppin' good time.

5. Invite them to visit.
Want to create a wild welcome for amphibian visitors? Build a Toad Abode. It's easy. Take a terra-cotta pot (decorate it if you want), put it on the ground upside down, and prop up one side with a small rock. This is the toad's house. Now hope a toad moves in!

6. Give them safe places.
Amphibians can be a little jumpy! Some species are quite cautious and timid, and prefer to hide out under protective leafy, green vegetation. You can provide a safe place to hide by adding native plant species to your backyard habitat.

7. Protect them from pets.
Croak! Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened frogs. Be a responsible pet owner and discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds.

8. Stick to the natives.
Never place non-native vegetation or release unwanted aquatic pets in the wild. Amphibians are especially sensitive to competition and other threats from non-native species. Help amphibians avoid sticky situations by keeping their natural habitats in good condition.

9. Tell everyone!
You know amphibians are super cool. But, what about your friends and family? Share your amphibian knowledge! Frogs, toads and salamanders need all the fans they can get.

10. Use less stuff and recycle.
Remember, the biggest way to have a positive impact on the environment is to make good choices about what you buy and what you use. If you use fewer resources and recycle, you'll generate less trash. Salamanders, toads and frogs won't be the only ones to benefit from your good decisions. Everybody wins!

11. Do your part in helping to protect habitat here in El Paso by supporting local conservation organizations.
Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue
El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Friends of Rio Bosque
Groundwork El Paso
Keystone Heritage Park
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society

12. Sign up to become a Zoo Volunteer. The Zoo is planning a special event to help educate people about the Year of the Frog in August. Follow this link for more information http://www.elpasozoo.org/voltrain.htm