Conservation Stories
Learn about how the Aquarium is making an impact with some of the amphibians in its collection.
Axolotl (Mexican salamander) (*Ambystoma mexicanum^) Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs
Stories of Hope
Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (*Rana muscosa^) Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs
Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs
The Aquarium has been raising mountain yellow-legged tadpoles into frogs since 2021. As of September 2023, we have released 310 frogs into their native habitat, the mountains of Southern California, making a meaningful impact on their recovery. As part of FROGS: Facing a Changing World, mountain yellow-legged frogs and tadpoles will be on display for the first time at the Aquarium.
Panamanian Golden Frog (*Atelopus zeteki^) Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs
Panamanian Golden Frogs
Panamanian golden frogs are believed to be extinct in the wild, which means that this frog species can only be found in zoos and aquariums like the Aquarium of the Pacific. Efforts to share their story alongside efforts to raise more frogs in breeding programs make it a possibility that these Panamanian golden frogs can one day return to their native habitat.
Axolotl (Mexican salamander) (*Ambystoma mexicanum^) Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs
Axolotls
Two juvenile axolotls came to the Aquarium in April 2023 after these salamanders were confiscated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife due to illegal wildlife trafficking. The animals were very young and in poor health when they arrived. One was missing a leg. Aquarium staff members worked intensively to revive them, including hand feeding multiple times a day, extensive water changes, and closely monitoring other environmental factors. You will find them on display in their new habitat in the FROGS exhibit.
