Summary of Celebrating the Panamanian Golden Frog:
The article discusses the Panamanian golden frog, a potentially extinct amphibian iconic in Panama. The golden frog is known for its bright yellow color and association with luck and fortune, and it has captured the hearts of the native Panamanian culture. El Valle, Panama, where the frog used to reside, is the site of the annual Golden Frog Festival that celebrates the golden frog with parades, concerts, and public support. The Detroit Zoo has been involved in efforts to preserve the golden frog and other threatened amphibians through assistance from the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation. The article highlights the pride and respect the Panamanian culture has for the golden frog and the importance of conserving its heritage.
Summary:
– The Panamanian golden frog is an iconic and potentially extinct amphibian from Panama.
– El Valle, Panama, is the former home of the golden frog and hosts the annual Golden Frog Festival.
– The festival celebrates the golden frog with parades, concerts, and public support for its conservation.
– The El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation (EVACC) works to protect the golden frog and other threatened amphibians.
– The festival brings together the community and promotes the importance of conserving biodiversity.
The Panamanian golden frog, known as “La Rana Dorada” in Panama, is a remarkable amphibian that holds a special place in the hearts and culture of the Panamanian people. This bright yellow frog, associated with luck and fortune, has captured the imagination of the native population for centuries. Its significance is evident in the petroglyph found on the Sleeping Indian mountain in El Valle, Panama, dating back to the 1400s. This image is considered one of the earliest tributes to this important animal.
El Valle, located in the crater of an extinct mega volcano, is a beautiful town rich in biodiversity. It is not only the former home of the golden frog but also the host of the annual Golden Frog Festival, which takes place in August. This festival is a colorful and vibrant celebration of the golden frog, featuring parades, concerts, educational displays, and public offerings of support for this endangered amphibian.
As someone who has had the privilege of working with amphibians and advocating for their conservation, I had the opportunity to witness the events of the Golden Frog Festival firsthand. I was blown away by the pride and respect the Panamanian culture places on the golden frog and their commitment to preserving its legacy tied to their heritage.
Since 2015, I have been representing the Detroit Zoo in assisting the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center Foundation (EVACC) in their efforts to establish and maintain a bio-secure population of Panamanian golden frogs at Hotel Campestre. This unique facility serves as a sanctuary for the golden frog and other threatened and endangered amphibians from Central Panama. The EVACC, led by biologists Edgardo Griffith and Heidi Ross, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the golden frog and the biodiversity of Panama. They also play a crucial role in organizing the Golden Frog Festival.
One of the festival’s highlights is a parade where local school children dress up as the golden frog. Their yellow attire adorned with black spots mimics the markings of this cherished creature. As the procession begins, marching bands play, and the whole town comes alive, eager to witness this extraordinary event.
Throughout the week, various events and activities take place, including an evening of friendly competition between the marching bands. These bands, unlike typical high school bands, incorporate stylish moves and a fusion of different music genres. As they march down the parade route to the church of San Jose, wearing their unique uniforms, they strive to outdo one another with awe-inspiring stunts and captivating music.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Golden Frog Festival is the opportunity for people from all walks of life to publicly pledge their support for the golden frog’s conservation. A mural is created where everyone, from Panamanians to Dutch tourists, can sign and demonstrate their commitment to preserving not only the golden frog but also the heritage of the Panamanian people who have called this valley home for thousands of years.
As a zoologist and zookeeper, I have seen firsthand how charismatic megafauna often steal the spotlight regarding conservation efforts. Species like pandas and whales tend to receive more attention and funding, leaving the “little guys” like frogs to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, amphibians face an unprecedented crisis, with nearly half of their global biodiversity at risk or already extinct. However, the golden frog offers hope as a representative that can elevate the plight of amphibians into the public eye.
The Panamanian culture has embraced this species as a symbol of its commitment to conserving the incredible biodiversity that Panama possesses. By celebrating La Rana Dorada, they also celebrate the resiliency of their country, which has chosen a frog as its champion, a golden frog. As the EVACC foundation aptly says, “Salva lo que amas” or “save what you love.”
In conclusion, the Golden Frog Festival in El Valle, Panama, is a truly unique and inspiring event that brings together the community to celebrate and conserve the Panamanian golden frog. This festival showcases the deep respect and admiration the Panamanians have for their biodiversity and cultural heritage. It also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect and preserve the world’s amphibians. Let us all take inspiration from the Panamanian people and their commitment to saving what they love – for the golden frog and all the little guys who deserve our attention and care.
