Toledo Zoo leaps into frog awareness year

3/1/2008

The Toledo Zoo yesterday kicked off its Year of the Frog aimed at raising awareness about declining frog populations in northwest Ohio and around the world.

Frog populations are declining as a result of increased pollution, habitat destruction, and the spread of deadly diseases, Andi Norman, a zoo spokesman, said.

Zoos and aquariums around the world are increasing their amphibian conservation efforts this year with the help of Amphibian Ark, an international group dedicated to creating safe environments for frogs and other amphibians until they can be reintroduced into the wild.

Amazing Amphibians will open May 16 and will be the only place in the world to see African Kihansi spray toads, Ms. Norman said.