Amphibium: A Fascinating Journey into the World of Amphibians

Photo: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra terrestris) © Frogs & Friends

In May 2024, Frogs & Friends and Adventure Zoo Hanover unveiled the Amphibium, a state-of-the-art amphibian house that immerses visitors in the diverse and often overlooked world of amphibians. Spanning 250 square meters, this innovative exhibition was developed by Frogs & Friends, a conservation organization dedicated to shine a light on amphibians worldwide. With 13 different species on display, the Amphibium offers a unique opportunity to discover creatures such as fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), Titicaca water frogs (Telmatobius culeus), and vibrantly colored poison dart frogs.

Engaging Exhibits and Interactive Learning

The Amphibium is designed not just to showcase amphibians but to engage visitors in an interactive and educational experience. The exhibition features numerous hands-on stations that allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of frogs and salamanders.

One of the highlights is the frog call station, where visitors can learn to distinguish calls of different frog species. Kids and adults are challenged to estimate the number of toads housed at the Amphibium with the help of transects – a tool that is used by scientists working in the field as well.

Another engaging exhibit is the amphibian lifecycle wall, which illustrates the fascinating transformation from egg to larva to adult. This display provides a visual and interactive way to understand metamorphosis, one of the most extraordinary processes in the animal kingdom.

For those fascinated by underwater life, the Titicaca water frog habitat is must-see. This unique species, native to Lake Titicaca in South America, has adapted to its high-altitude environment by developing loose, wrinkled skin that allows it to absorb oxygen directly from the water. Visitors can observe these frogs through a specially designed two-meter-deep aquarium, providing a rare glimpse into their aquatic world.

A Blend of Science and Storytelling

Amphibians are among the most threatened animal groups on the planet, with over 40 percent of all known species at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and diseases, like Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), a fungal disease that has been devastating fire salamander populations across Europe.

Despite their ecological and scientific importance, amphibians receive far less public attention than larger, more charismatic animals. The Amphibium aims to change this by showcasing their beauty, complexity, and importance in an engaging and accessible way.

What sets the Amphibium apart from other zoo exhibits is its ability to blend scientific information with storytelling. Throughout the exhibition, visitors encounter personal profiles of researchers who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting amphibians. These stories add a human element to the conservation message, showing the passion and dedication required to safeguard these fragile creatures.

By bringing visitors face to face with these extraordinary creatures, Adventure Zoo Hanover hopes to inspire a new generation of amphibian advocates. The Amphibium is more than just an exhibit—it is a call to action to protect one of the most vulnerable groups of animals on the planet. That’s why at the end of the exhibition visitors are walking towards the “breeding wall”, which focuses on ex-situ breeding facilities and the ex-situ breeding program Citizen Conservation, where private people can take part and be active in conservation together with zoos and other institutions.

Visiting the Amphibium

Entry to the Amphibium is included in the standard zoo admission. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family with young children, or someone simply curious about the natural world, this exhibition promises a memorable and eye-opening experience.

So next time you visit Hanover, take a journey into the hidden world of amphibians. You might leave with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable creatures and their essential role in our planet’s ecosystems.