Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Collaboration: First Ever Release Of Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs

A Hop In The Right Direction: Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Collaboration Marks The First Ever Release Of Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs

Oakland Zoo continues to be a leader in conservation efforts during Zoo closure with history making collaboration of first ever Foothill yellow-legged frogs release into the wild.

Oakland – During the longest Zoo closure in the history of the organization, Oakland Zoo continues its efforts in Taking Action for Wildlife with its most recent Foothill Yellow-legged frog (FYLF) release into the wild. This marks the first release of FYLF back into the wild. The Zoo participates in a captive rearing-program in partnership with U.S Fish and Wildlife Services (USFW), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), U.S Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Garcia and Associates.

“The lessons these tiny frogs have taught us about captive rearing will set the stage for this species’ conservation,” says Service Biologist, Kat Powelson.

On June 30th, 115 Foothill Yellow-legged frogs were successfully released into Plumas National Forest in Cresta, CA after a yearlong stay at Oakland Zoo. Last summer, Oakland Zoo was able to expand its conservation collaborations by treating and raising this group of FYLF at the Zoo’s Biodiversity Lab. The Zoo has had success in captive-breeding programs in the past with the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (MYLF) species programs.

Recently, Foothill Yellow-legged frogs were listed as threatened in the California Endangered Species Act (ESA) and petitions are in the works to expand its listing to the federal level. To expand conservation and recovery efforts, the Zoo is developing a Husbandry Manual to provide a step-by-step guide for other organizations or biologists to use to protect these frogs.

“The US Forest Service has a fantastic relationship with the Oakland Zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and we’ve shown tremendous success rearing Foothill Yellow-legged frogs for the first time in captivity”, says Collin Dillingham, District Wildlife Biologist for the Mt Hough Ranger District, Plumas National Forest.

With this massive collaboration, the frogs can be continually cared for and studied for further protection in the future.

“We are hoping that when we come back next year, we will see happy healthy frogs that are breeding and producing more Yellow-legged frogs” says Margaret Rousser, Conservation Manager at Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo takes pride in the around the clock care of the animals at the Zoo as well keeping to their tagline Taking Action for Wildlife. The Zoo relies on community support during these times to continue these efforts during and after COVID-19 closure. To donate to the Zoo, please visit: https://bit.ly/31w22zr