Published: March 18, 2008 12:12 pm      

Zoo encourages amphibian adoptions

EDMOND — Local residents can help protect endangered amphibians by “adopting” an amphibian, and taking part in other “toad”ally fun festivities at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has designated 2008 as the “Year of the Frog” to mark a major conservation effort and address the dire extinction crisis of amphibians worldwide. The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden and The Oklahoma Zoological Society, often called ZooFriends, are bringing Oklahoma City several ways to get involved in “Year of the Frog” conservation efforts.

For a tax-deductible $35 donation, anyone can “adopt” an amphibian, and help support the nutritional and enrichment needs for amphibians at the zoo. In return, “Parents of the Wild” receive a plush frog, adoption certificate, an amphibian fact sheet and name recognition on zoo grounds for an entire year.

For more than 25 years, the Oklahoma Zoological Society has offered animal adoptions to help offset the health, enrichment and nutritional costs for the zoo’s animal collection. The Society’s “Parents of the Wild” Animal Adoption program offers animal adoption throughout the year, but has annual promotions designating funds to a specific zoo animal.

Become a “Parent of the Wild” yourself, or give an amphibian adoption as a gift for a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation or any other special occasion. For more information on animal adoption, or to order a gift, call 427-2461, ext. 618 or log onto www.zoofriends.com. Gifts can be mailed anywhere in the continental United States.

Adoption does not include personal possession of a zoo animal, but regular zoo visits are suggested to visit your new “wild child.” Be sure to check out the zoo’s collection of frogs, newts, salamanders and toads in the Herpetarium, Island Life and Oklahoma Trails exhibits.

The zoo will have a variety of educational events and programs throughout the year. For more information about the zoo and its “Year of the Frog” activities, call the zoo at 424-3344 or go online at www.okczoo.com.