SF Zoo’s decades-long work to save threatened amphibians recognized
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens was awarded top honors in the North American Conservation Award category on Wednesday, September 30, in Portland, Oregon, during the 2026 Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Annual Conference. Out of the 96 applicants across all award categories, SF Zoo was recognized for its ongoing efforts to develop recovery programs for five imperiled frog and toad species, in a submission titled, “Saving Sierran Amphibians: A Decade of Conservation Action and Recovery.”
“We are honored to have our work recognized by AZA,” said Cassandra Costello, CEO and Executive Director. “The real reward has always been seeing amphibians return to the wild and watching new populations begin to sustain themselves. When we find tadpoles produced by frogs that were once reared and released by our conservation team, it is a tangible sign that recovery efforts are working and that these species have a future. Those moments are what drive us forward and remind us why this work matters. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, partners, and supporters, and this award is truly the icing on the cake.”
Over the past decade, SF Zoo has built one of North America’s most comprehensive amphibian recovery programs, supporting the conservation of five threatened amphibian species across California’s Sierra Nevada. The species are Mountain Yellow-legged frogs, California Red-legged frogs, Yosemite toads, Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frogs and Foothill Yellow-legged frogs. Working alongside federal and state agencies, universities, conservation organizations and other AZA institutions, the Zoo has advanced innovative approaches to head-starting for reintroduction.
To date, the program has released more than 10,000 PIT-tagged juvenile frogs and toads across 46 lakes, streams, and meadows throughout the Sierra Nevada, helping establish one of the few documented, self-sustaining populations of a federally listed frog in North America. Additionally, the Zoo conducted a first-of-its-kind rescue and recovery effort for mountain yellow-legged frogs during a devastating chytrid fungal outbreak. Today, the Zoo operates the largest amphibian conservation rearing facility in California and serves as the sole recovery partner for Yosemite toads and California red-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada.
Through long-term institutional commitment, scientific innovation, and extensive partnerships, SF Zoo has demonstrated how accredited zoos can play a leading role in species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and the prevention of wildlife extinction.
“This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication not only of our conservation and veterinary teams at the Zoo,” said Dr. Rochelle Stiles, Director of Field Conservation. “It also recognizes how important collaboration is between state and federal partners, universities and researchers, and our work with AZA’s Zoo-Park Partnership.”
The Association announced this year’s winners at the AZA Honors and Awards Lunch, which recognized the achievements of AZA-accredited facilities, from conservation efforts and facility design to volunteer engagement and more.
“Congratulations to the team at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens for their hard work and dedication in achieving this remarkable recognition,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “This award recognizes the best of the best in the global aquarium and zoo community. The work being done at SF Zoo further strengthens the impact of our entire community and is something the San Francisco Bay Area can be proud of.”
About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects people to wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo & Gardens is home to nearly 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing up to 200 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.