Asheboro, N.C. - In an effort to raise awareness of the importance and diversity of amphibians and to bring attention to declining amphibian populations worldwide, the North Carolina Zoo will hold Amphibian Awareness Day at the park on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The day’s events include exhibits and activities in the park’s Cypress Swamp, Rocky Coast, Kidzone, Streamside, Desert and R. J. Reynolds Forest Aviary offering education and amphibian fun. Kids can look forward to all kinds of activities including crafts and face painting.
Save the Frogs Day on Tuesday, April 26, is our nation’s largest day of amphibian education and conservation annually and inspired the Zoo’s celebration this weekend
Amphibian populations worldwide have been declining at unprecedented rates and nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. As many as 200 species have disappeared in recent years.
Amphibians are faced with tremendous environmental problems including climate change, pollution, infectious diseases, habitat loss, invasive species and over-harvesting for the pet and food trades. Action steps that the public can take to help with these issues will also be presented Saturday. The event is free with paid Zoo admission.
About the North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo provides an experience like no other zoo anywhere. With five miles of exhibits, nearly 2,000 animals and 52,000 plants it is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world and an international leader in wildlife conservation.
Find yourself surrounded by some of Africa’s giants including elephants, rhinos, and giraffes; share the love of gorillas with Mosuba and his six-member troop; welcome polar bear Nikita as he joins Anana in polar plunges every day at their Rocky Coast Exhibit; or join in the fun at the mud café in the Kidzone.
Located in center of the state in Asheboro, it is convenient to visit from anywhere in North Carolina. The North Carolina Zoo welcomes nearly 750,000 guests each year. Plan your adventure at www.nczoo.org.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.
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