Contact: Jason Jacobs
323/644-4273

WHAT: LEAP DAY, February 29th, 2008, the Year of the Frog

WHEN: 10am - 4pm, February 29 and March 1

WHERE: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park

WHY : One-third of all the amphibians on the planet are threatened with extinction.  Amphibian declines are now attributed to a new cause-chytridiomycosis-a disease that wipes out frogs, toads, and salamanders. Zoos and aquariums, with strong public support, play a major role in addressing the amphibian extinction crisis-one of the most sweeping wildlife conservation challenges of our time.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens will partner with dozens of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) institutions nationwide to recognize the Year of the Frog with LEAP DAY. The AZA institutions are collectively working to save populations of amphibians through propagation, habitat conservation and education.
“Over 155 million people visit AZA Zoos and Aquariums each year” states Zoo Director John Lewis. “If we can get these visitors to learn and care about the state of amphibians, we can make a tremendous difference not just for amphibians but for the other animals and plants that share their environments.”

As part of LEAP DAY, Zoo visitors can participate in special education stations to learn about frog life cycles, metamorphosis, what a frog needs for a healthy home and most importantly, how we can be of help!

Western Green Toad

Two species of amphibians, the green toad and Couch’s spadefoot toad are on display in the Desert Trail section of the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo. The L.A. Zoo’s new Reptile and Amphibian House is scheduled to open in mid 2010 and will include the facilities for the Zoo to work with over twenty species of amphibians.  Planned species for the new conservation facility will include poison dart frogs, giant salamanders, Madagascar mantella frogs and much more. In addition to working with species on Zoo grounds, the Zoo supports field projects collaborating with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego Zoo, and Fresno Chaffee Zoo towards the conservation of the mountain yellow-legged frog. 

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The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. The Zoo is open from 10am to 5pm daily. For general information, call 323/644-4200.