Partnered effort Breeds Hope for Colorado’s Endangered Amphibian

July 15, 2025

Dean Miller
Southeast Region Public Information Officer
719-466-3927
[email protected]

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Amphibian and aquatic species experts from the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region partnered to breed and release 300 Endangered boreal toadlets into the wild on July 2. The release into a pristine alpine lake was conducted near Leadville. The effort follows a 2024 effort that released more than 2,200 tadpoles and toadlets into restored habitat near Creede. 

“Breeding boreal toads in captivity is incredibly difficult work. The DCZA has had recent success with this effort, ultimately supporting CPW’s effort to reintroduce the species throughout the state,” said Alex Jouney, CPW Southeast Region Native Aquatic Species Biologist. “This reintroduction supports the most successful attempt with boreal toad repatriation in the Southeast Region, to date.”

CPW's familiarity with southeast region aquatic ecosystems played a key role in the site selection for reintroduction.

View imagery and video of the team’s efforts.

Visit the Denver Zoo website for the full update.
 

From the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance:

One year ago, Denver Zoo officially rebranded as Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, embracing a name that reflects our commitment to protecting wildlife not just within our campus, but across Colorado and around the world. While guests still enjoy unforgettable encounters with beloved species like Tundra, the grizzly bear, our bachelor herd of Asian elephants, and towering reticulated giraffes, the new name highlights the mission-driven conservation work happening behind the scenes every day. 

That work includes helping to save one of Colorado’s smallest, but most important, native animals: the boreal toad. This State-Endangered amphibian once thrived in the montane wetlands of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. But in recent decades, populations have plummeted due to habitat loss and a deadly skin disease caused by chytrid fungus, which has caused amphibian declines around the world. Today, it's estimated that fewer than 800 adult boreal toads remain in the wild in Colorado. 

In partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), our field conservation, animal care, and veterinary medicine teams are working to change that. Since 2021, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has participated in a multi-year, multi-agency effort to breed and reintroduce this sensitive species into protected high-country wetlands. 

Last summer, our teams released more than 2,200 tadpoles and toadlets into restored habitat near Creede. And on July 2, 2025, we proudly released another 300 toadlets into a pristine alpine lake near Leadville, Colorado. 

During the release, the team was thrilled to spot several adult boreal toads already occupying the area, wallowing in mud holes and thriving in the wetland habitat. Their presence is a promising sign that the site is suitable for young toads to grow, feed, and hopefully return to breed. (And yes, our team can confirm there are plenty of mosquitos for them to enjoy.) 

These efforts are a true collaboration. From field biologists to amphibian specialists, wildlife veterinarians to volunteers, the boreal toad initiative brings together diverse teams with one shared goal: to secure a future for this species in the Southern Rocky Mountains. 

Efforts like these are only possible because of people who care deeply about wildlife. If you want to make a difference, consider joining Team Toad, our community science program that helps monitor the health of high-elevation wetland habitats and search for these hard-to-find amphibians.

Together, we’re not just releasing toads, we’re restoring balance, rebuilding ecosystems, and reinforcing what it means to be a conservation alliance. 

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