Amphibian Week

Hop into Amphibian Week at the Reptile Discovery Center! On Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Zoo’s animal care team, Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum staff, and scientists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Geological Survey, National Park Service, Forest Service and U.S. Navy as they celebrate the awesome and amazing abilities of amphibians native to the United States and around the world. Learn about cutting-edge conservation research, go “toad-to-toad” in an amphibian trivia game, and leap to the art station to create your own colorful amphibians and enjoy some fun giveaways. 

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., keepers will host animal demonstrations near the Jewels of Appalachia exhibit. Visitors can meet animal ambassadors, including a Panamanian golden frog, coronated tree frog, Vietnamese mossy frog, California tiger salamander, Japanese giant salamander, poison dart frogs and a few local salamanders native to the Shenandoah mountains of Virginia. See them up close, learn fun facts to share with friends and get tips on how to help amphibians where you live. These demonstrations will take place every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour. 

This event is free, open to the public and will take place rain or shine. 

Amphibian Week is a multi-day celebration of amphibians and the important role they play in our environment. Stay tuned to the Zoo's website for interesting amphibian stories, or join the fun on social media by following #amphibianweek.