Zoo's fun event also has conservation message

Al Ain: Children and adults will welcome the New Year with fun and a conservation message at Al Ain Zoo on Tuesday by joining a world call for the conservation of endangered amphibians.

The Year of the Frog held this year will raise awareness about a worldwide amphibian extinction crisis, said Mark Craig, Director of Al Ain Zoo.

The event is being held at the zoo's education centre and there will be games and prizes for all participants, he said.

Leap frog events

"Al Ain Zoo and zoos around the world are holding New Year's Day leap frog events with children and adults playing the hopping game to ring in the special year and draw attention to the conservation efforts that will; avert the disaster," said Craig.

A third to half of all amphibian species are in danger of disappearing in our lifetime, he said, adding the campaign aims to rescue the most endangered 500 species that cannot be saved in the wild.

It is part of a comprehensive effort to protect the future for amphibians, said the Al Ain Zoo director.