Cryptic 'Amphibians' the star of the show in new Shedd exhibit
Although they generally like to remain hidden from sight, more than 40 species of frogs, newts, salamanders and wormlike caecilians will hop, crawl and squirm into the spotlight in the new "Amphibians" special exhibit at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium.
"Amphibians are not the most readily seen animals. They are cryptic," said Mark Schick, special exhibits collection manager at the Shedd Aquarium.
Three exhibit rooms in "Amphibians" feature 31 animal habitats, along with audio and visual and hands-on features to help visitors learn about the amphibians' life cycles and how the animals ward off predators.
"There are exhibits above your head, exhibits at eye level and exhibits where you have to squat down to see the animals," Schick said.
Visitors can stare straight into the bulging eyes of the mammoth, bump-covered African bullfrog and view a brightly colored golden mantella frog, looking like a navel orange with a head and legs.
In nearby habitat areas, the second largest amphibian in the world, the 30-pound giant Japanese salamander, and the hellbender salamander, the largest amphibian in the United States, reside.
Despite the wide variety in colors, shapes and sizes of amphibian species, they do have a number of things in common.
"Amphibians are water-dependent animals that live on land," Schick said. "Almost all of them lay eggs that are gelatinous. They are non-scaled, and they have skin that needs to be kept moist."
Of the 6,000 species of amphibians in the world today, 40 percent are now considered to be endangered, Schick said.
Shedd guests can learn how scientists across the globe, including Shedd Aquarium researchers, are trying to save amphibians from climate change, pesticides, herbicides and other threats.
Schick and other Shedd staff hope that visitors will leave "Amphibians" with an appreciation for saving these creatures.
"The best thing you can do for them is to keep rivers and streams clean," Schick said.
The exhibit was designed completely in-house by Shedd staff members, Schick said
"I think it's one of the most beautiful exhibits we have ever had."
“Amphibians”
Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Hours: Exhibit runs now through 2017. Winter hours (though Friday, June 12) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Summer hours (Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, Aug. 23) are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Check website for special dates with extended hours.
Tickets: Access to “Amphibians” is included with the purchase of a Total Experience Pass, ranging from $30.95-$39.95, or a Shedd Pass Plus ($26.95-$35.95) for an additional $3
Info: (312) 939-2438 or