Detroit Zoological Society | 25 The National Amphibian Conservation Center team participated in two field trips in summer 2022 to assist with Wyoming toad reintroductions and surveys. The Wyoming toad is considered extinct in the wild, and the DZS has been breeding Wyoming toads for more than 20 years as part of a captive rearing program. In that time, we have reintroduced more than 11,000 tadpoles and toads to their native habitats. “In 2022, our staff assisted with the tadpole release and found toads at all field locations we visited, a hopeful indication for the future of this species,” says Curator of Amphibians Mark Vassallo. Hopping Back From Extinction The DZS works with many Species Survival Plan Programs (SSPs) to ensure the health and sustainability of animal populations in human care. One such successful program is for Aruba Island rattlesnakes. Aruba Island rattlesnakes are native to a small area on the island of Aruba – making them the rarest rattlesnake in the world. In the wild, Arubas are threatened by human encroachment, the illegal pet trade and invasive snake species. In August 2022, we welcomed several newborn Arubas as part of the SSP, helping to increase the numbers of this critically endangered species. On May 23, 2022, the DZS received a perfectly timed surprise. A freshly hatched McCord’s box turtle (one of the most critically endangered species in the world) was discovered in a behind-the-scenes habitat at the Detroit Zoo on World Turtle Day. The hatchling, whose shell is the size of a half dollar, was a surprise to the animal care team, as the mother had hidden her egg – much like she would have in the wild. “McCord’s are native to the mountain streams of Asia and are tragically hunted for their meat and perceived medicinal properties,” says Curator of Reptiles Jeff Jundt. “These turtles are thought to be extinct in the wild, making the tiny wonder so important to the survival of its species.” A World Turtle Day Surprise Slithering Toward Conservation
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