Panama Canal Museum

On January 24, 2008, join Dustin Smith, a birds and reptiles zoo-keeper in Tampa, as he leads us through the jungles of Panama in a desperate search for the Panamanian golden frog. Smith went to Panama to study the Panamanian Golden Frog and assist with finding a zoo/institution that was willing to build a facility to breed native species including the golden frogs.

The golden poison dart frog with its bright yellow skin, dotted with deep black spots, has long been Panama’s national symbol. It is believed to bring good luck. Unfortunately, it is almost extinct in the wild.

In response to the declines and disappearances of Golden Frog populations, a group of concerned biologists convened and formed Proyecto Rana Dorada/Project Golden Frog, a conservation consortium among scientific, educational, and zoological institutions in the Republic of Panama and United States. Smith is a part of the team rushing to save what few golden frogs are left. Project Golden Frog plans are to raise them in captivity and hopefully find a cure for the chytrid fungus, one of the main reasons they have disappeared. Read more about the project at http://www.goldenfrogproject.org.

The Panama Canal Museum’s store recognizes the current fascination with the vanishing Panama golden frog by offering custom designed wooden trays (bateas) from El Valle, Panama, trimmed with carved wooden golden frogs; mugs, tumblers, and caps featuring an embossed golden frog patch; and golden frog postcards.

The “Golden Frogs of Panama” lecture begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Panama Canal Museum, 7985 113th Street, Suite 100, Seminole, FL. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.  Museum members are free. Reservations recommended as seating is limited. Contact Elizabeth Neily, Director, 727-394-9338.