Mystic Aquarium Announces New Frogs! Exhibit

Leap Day is the perfect time to announce the development of a new exhibit at the Mystic Aquarium. frogs!—a 1,000 square foot exhibit featuring more than 30 different species of frogs and other amphibians from around the world—is set to open over Memorial Day weekend 2016, according to a press release from the Aquarium.

frogs! will introduce guests to their many cool features, including their amazing adaptations, through hands-on experiences and digital interactives. Species on exhibit will include dart frogs, African clawed frogs, bullfrogs, fire-bellied toads, giant waxy monkey frogs, golden poison frogs, lemur leaf frogs, Mexican giant tree frogs, mossy frogs, ornate horned frog, red-eye tree frogs, tomato frog and bird poop frogs.  

The exhibit will also address how the species is under threat of extinction.  In fact, amphibians have been identified as being the most threatened vertebrate group assessed so far, with around 41 percent at risk of extinction. frogs! will educate guests about the many reasons why amphibians around the world are in peril, what they can do to help protect them and how they can join Mystic Aquarium in its effort to conserve our local species.

frogs! is the first step in a planned $25 million to $50 million update of the Aquarium and its exhibits over the next decade.

“This exercise has underscored our collective and unwavering desire to continue building an organization that is iconic to New England and is an active contributor to our region’s economic and environmental success, all the while growing and enhancing our international role and the impact of our mission,” state the introduction to the strategic plan. “Our strategic plan envisions renewed focus on the Mystic Aquarium brand and facilities, while strengthening our mission programs — conservation, education, exhibits and research — under an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative model entitled ‘One Ocean. One Mission.’”

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