Zoo In Baltimore Honored For Work With Frog Species

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is getting some international recognition for its leadership in working to save one of the world's rarest frogs.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Silver Spring said Thursday the Maryland Zoo has received this year's Edward H. Bean Award. The award highlights work aimed at saving rare species.

Maryland Zoo President Don Hutchinson says the institution was the first to breed the Panamanian golden frog in captivity. The yellow frog with black spots is considered a symbol of good luck in its native Panama, and appears on Panamanian currency.

The frog was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services as an endangered species in 1976. Officials say the reasons for its decline include disease, deforestation and the illegal international pet trade.

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