Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the “superpowers” that let wildlife hide, survive, and sustain ecosystems. From master camouflagers in the upcoming Hidden Corners exhibit to the semi-permeable skin of a smooth-sided toad, learn how animals blend in, breathe through skin, and even regenerate limbs. Zookeeper Hannah introduces a native Amazonian toad ambassador to demonstrate these incredible adaptations up close.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Animal Invisibility: How Vietnamese mossy frogs, tentacled snakes, and Amazon milk frogs use camouflage, sensory tentacles, and skin coatings to hide or thrive.
• Forest Mindfulness: Why slowing down and really looking is essential—animals like leaf-mimicking toads vanish if you don’t pay attention.
• Amphibian Adaptations:
  • Semi-permeable Skin: Smooth-sided toads can breathe and absorb moisture through their skin—if you touch them, you must wear gloves!
  • Poison vs. Venom: Toads are poisonous (must be ingested), not venomous (injected), so you’re safe handling them—but don’t eat them!
  • Regeneration & Jumping: Young frogs/toads can regrow limbs; some frogs leap 50× their body length with super-fast tongues.
• Zoo Conservation: How the Hidden Corners exhibit, opening soon, brings hidden specialists into view—and how accredited zoos support global and local conservation.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisibility is a survival strategy—not a magic trick. Many species blend perfectly into leaves, bark, or water.
• Amphibians’ semi-permeable skin is both a superpower (gas exchange) and a vulnerability (must stay moist, absorb toxins).
• Poison dart frogs display aposematic coloration—bright warning colors that say “don’t eat me.”
• Handling ambassador animals requires specialized training and protocols to protect both species and people.
• Visiting an accredited zoo fuels critical conservation, from global exhibits to local species recovery.

Mentioned:

• Hidden Corners Exhibit (launching soon)
• Vietnamese Mossy Frog
• Tentacled Snake
• Amazon Milk Frog
• Smooth-sided Toad (Amazon native)
• Poison Dart Frogs (aposematic coloration)

Quote:

“If you don’t see wildlife at first glance, slow down and look again—it’s hiding in plain sight.” – Susan Altrui

Enjoy this journey into nature’s hidden superpowers—and remember, true magic often lies in what you almost miss.