Chile's First Champion for Amphibians Joins the ASA
ONG Ranita de Darwin, Chile's first non-profit dedicated entirely to amphibian conservation, joins the ASA partner network.
The Amphibian Survival Alliance is proud to welcome Fundación Zoológica de Cali as our newest partner.
Based in Colombia, at the intersection of three critical biogeographic regions — the Chocó, Western Andes, and Cauca Valley — the Fundación Zoológica de Cali (Cali Zoo Foundation) has been at the forefront of amphibian conservation since 2006.
Leading the Fight for Lehmann's Poison Frog
Their flagship program centers on one of Colombia's most striking and endangered amphibians: Lehmann's poison frog (Oophaga lehmanni), listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
The Foundation coordinates Colombia's national conservation program for this species — from managing the National Studbook and genetically managed assurance populations, to leading science-based reintroductions that involve habitat assessment, veterinary screening, genetic management, and post-release monitoring. This isn't a single project. It's a coordinated national framework involving state agencies, universities, and conservation organizations working together under one strategy.
Their team has also contributed to the discovery of a new population of Phyllobates terribilis, the golden poison frog, and supports ongoing monitoring and population assessments across the Colombian Pacific.
Conservation That Connects People to Place
What makes the Foundation's work particularly compelling is how deeply it connects conservation to community. Working with members of the Anchicayá community, they've developed income alternatives linked to the species and strategies that have directly reduced illegal extraction from the wild. Oophaga lehmanni has become a source of local pride — generating a sense of belonging and ownership of the territory around this frog by the community.
Their t-shirts say it all: Aquí Nace un Sueño — Here a Dream is Born.
Internationally Recognized
In 2025, this leadership was internationally acknowledged when biologist Carlos Galvis, Head of the Populations Department, received a Conservation Award from Zoo Zurich — highlighting the global relevance of their work.
The Foundation also brings deep institutional partnerships with WCS, Amphibian Ark, AZA, ALPZA, and WAZA, and participates actively in IUCN Specialist Groups.
What They Bring to the Network
With purpose-built captive breeding facilities for tropical amphibians, more than 500,000 visitors each year as a platform for environmental education, and a team with expertise spanning reintroduction science, disease monitoring, and conservation genetics, the Fundación Zoológica de Cali strengthens our network's capacity across Latin America.
Their mission — to promote conservation and sustainability actions that generate value in the territories, connecting people with natural and cultural heritage — is exactly what this partnership is built for.
Welcome to the ASA. We're glad you're here.
Learn more about their work at zoologicodecali.com.co