A Chicago Zoo Raised 12,000 Tadpoles to Save One of the World’s Rarest Toads — the Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has raised and released over 12,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles as part of a significant conservation effort. This initiative aims to restore one of the world's rarest amphibians, which has faced severe threats from habitat destruction and climate change. The zoo's work includes careful breeding coordination and monitoring of the tadpoles as they are prepared for release in Puerto Rico.
- ▪Brookfield Zoo Chicago has successfully raised and released 12,244 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles.
- ▪The zoo has contributed nearly 40,000 tadpoles over the past decade to help restore this endangered species.
- ▪Conservation efforts involve closely following Puerto Rico's rainy season to ensure the best chance for tadpole survival.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A tiny amphibian that has recently gained global attention is getting a major conservation boost thanks to months of painstaking work happening mostly out of public view.After a carefully coordinated breeding effort, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has successfully raised and released 12,244 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles, marking the Zoo’s largest single breeding cycle for the critically important conservation project. The recent effort adds to nearly 40,000 tadpoles the Zoo has contributed over the past decade to help restore one of the rarest amphibians on Earth.“Conservation work like this can be incredibly detailed and time-consuming, but that’s what makes these milestones so meaningful,” said Mike Masellis, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s lead animal care specialist, in a press release.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Discover Magazine.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Discover Magazine
