Amphibians face the most severe extinction crisis of any vertebrate group, with chytrid fungus devastating wild populations worldwide. Zoos play a critical role in rescue breeding programs, making amphibian welfare in captivity both urgent and important.
Amphibian welfare in captivity requires precise environmental management. Their permeable skin makes them highly vulnerable to water quality, chemical contaminants, and disease transmission. Metabolic bone disease, caused by insufficient UV-B light and calcium, is common in captive amphibians and causes pain and deformity. Chytrid disease control requires careful biosecurity. The conservation imperative means welfare and survival are deeply intertwined — healthy animals in appropriate environments are also the ones most likely to contribute successfully to reintroduction programs.