A Ribbit Exhibit
Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.
Two fire-bellied toads hold hands underwater.
Green swimmers, slimy perchers and tricolored croakers can be seen hopping around in the Caldwell Zoo this spring as their newest exhibit, "Toadily Frogs," opens to the public.
Looking for a fun and family friendly activity?
This is just the place and just the right time since 2008 has been named "the year of the frog."
William Garvin, Supervisor of Reptiles, said the exhibit kicked off on Leap Day- pun intended- and should be available through the end of the year.
Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.
Monica Brown holds son Jacobe Rodriguez, 6 months, as he looks at the “Toadily Frogs” exhibit. 2008 is the year of the frog.
But, along with the display's entertainment factor, there is education value and support of a good cause, Garvin said.
"Amphibians around the world are really in trouble," the expert said, emphasizing that the exhibit is to bring awareness to the state of the species and hope people will help in any way they can.
According to The Global Amphibian Assessment, nearly one-third of the world's amphibian species are threatened, representing 1,896 species.
By comparison, just 12 percent of all bird species and 23 percent of all mammal species are threatened.
Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.
A South American Red Eyed Tree frog is photographed as he looks out from behind a leaf.
Studies also show as many as 165 amphibian species may already be extinct.
Garvin said these statistics are nothing short of staggering.
"We haven't seen a die-off like this since the dinosaurs," he said. "Their skin is permeable, meaning water passes back and forth through it, so they are really susceptible to the smallest amount of pollution."
Garvin hopes East Texans will enjoy this exhibit, but also take note of the blessing frogs are to our world.
And there is quite a variety to observe.
Kids and adults will get a chance to see species such as the fire-bellied toad, native of Korea and Eastern Russia, and some friends south of the boarder like the South American Red-Eyed Tree frog and the South American Horned frog, or "Pacman" frog.
Kids and adults will get a chance to see species such as the fire-bellied toad, native of Korea and Eastern Russia, and some friends south of the boarder like the South American Red-Eyed Tree frog and the South American Horned frog, or "Pacman" frog.
From their interesting names and habitats to their unique mannerisms, these frogs have already become a popular exhibit, Garvin said.
"(The response) has been very positive. They come from five different continents and all shapes and colors and sizes," he said.
The exhibit will be open in the North American Reptile Building.
Zoo hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. 7 days a week through Labor Day.
After Labor day, the zoo will close at 4 p.m. daily.
Admission is $5 for children 3-12, $8.50 for adults 13-54 and $7.25 for senior citizens over 55.
Children 2 and younger are free.
Free parking is available for all zoo guests
Free parking is available for all zoo guests
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