SAN DIEGO (Nov. 14, 2023) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in collaboration with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, reintroduced more than 70 endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs into a lake located in the San Bernardino Mountains. This release marks the first time the Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow-legged frog has been reintroduced into a lake instead of a mountain stream. The frogs were bred at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Beckman Center for Conservation Research between 2020 and 2022, and then reared at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The cross-country effort to save this California frog is part of a robust conservation breeding and reintroduction research program aimed at restoring populations of this declining species throughout its historic range.

Challenges are lurking in the watery world of black caimans—and their reptilian relatives.

Frozen conservation is helping to secure the future for endangered species.

These conservation canines have what it takes to locate endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs.

Scent detection dogs sniff out frogs that would otherwise be impossible for us to find.

SAN DIEGO (May 25, 2022) – A new study from scientists at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology, found endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs being reared for release into the wild have a greater chance of survival if introduced to artificial currents at early stages of their development. While the findings support a growing body of evidence that suggests raising bred animals in an environment similar to where they will be released can boost survival rates, the study goes even further, showing the timing of experiential exposure may be critical to successful species recovery translocations.

SAN DIEGO (March. 11, 2022) – Excitement filled the air at the San Diego Zoo today as a large crowd gathered to experience the newest and most anticipated opening in the nonprofit conservation organization’s history. Paul A. Baribault, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, along with a group of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team members, youth from across San Diego, and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, joined in a festive opening ceremony welcoming guest into the new Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 31, 2022) – This month, burrowing owls and prairie dogs at the San Diego Zoo moved to their new “digs” in the Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Orb weaver spiders began spinning new webs, and other wildlife like Fijian iguanas, axolotls and dragon-headed katydids are now acclimating to their new habitats in preparation for the public opening on Friday, March 11, 2022.