Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Living Museum & Virginia Zoo

“Leap” Into Year of the Frog

( Virginia Beach , VA ) – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center , the Virginia Living Museum and the Virginia Zoo today announced that they are “leaping” into the Association of Zoos & Aquarium's Year of the Frog on Leap Day, February 29th.

Why frogs? “They're not as warm and fuzzy as some endangered animals, but frogs are an important indicator of the environment's health,” said William “Chip” Harshaw, the Aquarium's Curator of Mammals & Reptiles.

“Being a friend to frogs doesn't just help amphibians! It helps all of us since these creatures are indicators of environmental and climate changes that can affect the entire planet,” said George Mathews Jr., curatorial director at the Virginia Living Museum , Newport News.

“Amphibians of all types are declining worldwide, and may be a harbinger of what's coming for other species, including humans,” added Greg Bockheim, Virginia Zoo's Executive Director. Many amphibians are victims of a fungus believed to be exacerbated by the rise in global temperatures. All three organizations will promote amphibian education and conservation, and track conservation efforts through their respective Web sites.

The Virginia Zoo will feature information about the Year of the Frog on its website, www.virginiazoo.org. Amphibians on exhibit include blue poison arrow frogs and green and black poison arrow frogs. Amphibians, including an American toad, also are featured as education animals. In addition, at its 2008 summer camp, the Zoo is including several sessions addressing the issues of conservation and how children and families can make a difference. For information about camp, call the Zoo at (757) 441-2374. Zoo admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and over, $5 for children 2 to 11 and free to members.

The Virginia Living Museum displays 33 amphibians, representing 12 species including the Hellbender, North America 's largest salamander.

Visitors can also see the American Toad, frogs that live in trees, mudpuppies, which are salamanders with large bushy gills, and a siren that has front legs, but no hind legs. Hands-on activities include dissecting a frog and leaping frog.

The museum plans several Year of the Frog displays and activities as part of its Earth Days Celebration April 19-20. Admission to the museum is $13 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Call 757-595-1900 for information or visit www.thevlm.org .

The Aquarium will kick off its observation of the Year of the Frog with its annual Winterfest celebration on February 29 th . Activities will be available all day, and from 6-9 pm Radio Disney will be on site for sing-along and prizes. Kids of all ages can brave the froggy obstacle course and catch flies for dinner, put on finger pads to touch live animals, and enjoy an amphibian-themed puppet show. Aquarium members $7, all others $10, call 757-385-0300 for reservations.

For more information on the Year of the Frog, visit AZA's Web site at www.aza.org.

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The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The Aquarium is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard , just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach . For more information on exhibits, movies, boat trips and special events call (757) 385-FISH (3474), (TDD 711) or visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com .

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

Virginia 's natural heritage comes alive at the Virginia Living Museum . The museum introduces visitors to more than 250 living species native to Virginia through exhibits, discovery centers and interactive hands-on exhibits. The museum's exhibits bring people in contact with more habitats, wildlife and plant species than would be encountered in a lifetime of outdoor adventures in Virginia . Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3 to 12). Children ages 2 and under and members are free. The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. , Newport News , I64, exit 258A. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call 757-595-1900 or visit the web site at www.thevlm.org .