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Conservation Stories

Learn about how the Aquarium is making an impact with some of the amphibians in its collection.

Brownish red salamander with three spike protrusions on the side of its head

Axolotl (Mexican salamander) (*Ambystoma mexicanum^) Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs

Stories of Hope

Mountain yellow-legged frog on a rock close up

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.

Flat shaped yellow frog with large black spots on its body and legs

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.

Brownish red salamander with three spike protrusions on the side of its head

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.

The Intriguing World of Amphibians
Frogs: 
Facing a Changing World

Aquarium Discounts

Aquarium coupons at Baker’s through December