09/17 ~ Annual Release of Critically Endangered Species to the Wild

PRESS RELEASE


Date:  September 17, 2008    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ANNUAL RELEASE OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES TO THE WILD


Aldergrove – The Greater Vancouver Zoo will be releasing several hundred endangered Oregon Spotted Frogs (OSF) back to their home range this week.  

The Greater Vancouver Zoo has been a member of the OSF recovery team for the last 9 years.  The zoo provides a “headstart” program that involves removing egg masses from the wild and raising the frogs in captivity until they are large enough to be released.  This program insures a much higher survival rate than the embryos, tadpoles and small frogs would see in the wild.

The Oregon Spotted Frog has been reduced to a few limited sites in British Columbia and may be on the brink of extinction.  The threats to this frog species are: introduced predators such as bullfrogs, disease such chytrid fungus, and habitat loss due to draining of wetlands for agriculture.

For more information on the Oregon Spotted Frog and how the Zoo is involved visit the conservation section of our website at: http://www.gvzoo.com/node/136.

Media Contact:                                                       Animal Care Contact:

Jody Henderson                                                      Jamie Dorgan
Marketing & Promotions Manager                              Animal Care Manager
Phone:  604.856.6825 x 33                                     Phone: 604.856.6825 x 32
Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com                                Email: jdorgan@gvzoo.com