Lansing Zoo Sent 26,000 Tadpoles to Puerto Rico

Potter Park Zoo has helped bolster endangered toad populations in the Caribbean since 2009.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wildlife

Lansing Zoo Sent 26,000 Tadpoles to Puerto Rico

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Potter Park Zoo in Lansing has successfully shipped over 26,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to their native habitat. This ongoing conservation effort aims to support the survival of the endangered species in the wild.

Why it matters

The Puerto Rican crested toad has faced severe population declines due to habitat loss and invasive species since its rediscovery in 1967. Boosting these numbers is critical for the long-term ecological health of the region.

Since 2009, the zoo has transported over 26,000 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to aid recovery efforts. The species, which was rediscovered in 1967, remains critically endangered.

The players

Potter Park Zoo

A Lansing-based institution that manages wildlife conservation programs and public educational exhibits.

The details

The program involves breeding the endangered toads in a controlled environment at Potter Park Zoo. These tadpoles are then carefully shipped to Puerto Rico, where they are released into the wild to replenish native populations threatened by environmental changes and invasive species.

1967: The Puerto Rican crested toad was rediscovered in the wild.
2009: Potter Park Zoo initiated its tadpole conservation and release program.
October 2026: The zoo announced this significant conservation milestone.

The Home Front

This project aligns with professional zoological standards designed to prevent the extinction of amphibians through captive breeding. These collaborative efforts are essential as habitat loss continues to impact global biodiversity.

Residents interested in supporting local conservation can research native Michigan amphibians and the importance of maintaining natural habitats in their own backyards. Contact your local environmental extension office for resources on creating wildlife-friendly garden spaces.

The takeaway

Large-scale conservation relies on long-term partnerships between facilities like Potter Park Zoo and native habitats. Homeowners can support biodiversity by minimizing the use of chemicals in their yards that may affect local amphibian water sources.