Zoos & Aquariums

Overlooking the spectacular Sundial Bridge and adjacent to the the McConnell Arboretum is the Turtle Bay Museum with exhibits and see-through encased living habitats for snakes, frogs and a variety of amphibians. While some frogs such as the bullfrog are predators that thrive heartily, the red-legged frog, a native to Redding, has often been compared to the canary in the coal mine. It's demise and near extinction has forced the annual Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Contest to turn to other species for the jumping competition.

The California red-legged frog's historic range extended from Point Reyes National Seashore and Redding inland southward to northwestern Baja California.  Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties support the greatest occupied habitat today, but this beloved frog made famous by a Mark Twain novel, entered the endangered species list in 1996. 

Amphibians are known to be weak species, having survived on Earth for millions of years. With that in mind, one must contemplate man's fate as radical ecosystem changes could one day claim many other species, including humans. In Redding's scenic Cascades, a California Department of Fish and Game survey was ordered when it appeared the numbers of Cascade mountain frogs were in decline, possible a direct result of trout planting programs. That study alone has raised eyebrows and pointed to a need for close monitoring of such projects that may increase one desired species, while pushing another to the brink of distinction.

The Turtle Bay Museum and campus offers educational exhibits to inform the public and increase awareness about California's ecosystem. (more information about this subject is available at www.biologicaldiversity.org)

Turtle Bay Museum's permanent exhibits include underwater fish viewing, fish tanks, interactive displays, a gift store, outdoor cafe and rotating exhibits.  Visible River, walk through historic re-creations and self-guided exploration and play stimulate your understanding and challenge ideas about science, art, history, and human nature.

Location: McConnell Arboretum and Gardens, 840 Auditorium Dr., Redding, CA  Call: 800-TURTLEBAY www.turtlebay.org

The largest city north of Sacramento, Redding is the county seat of Shasta County and the center for government, retail trade, wholesale trade, commerce and recreation. Redding, bisected by the Sacramento River, is located along Interstate 5, equidistant between Seattle and Los Angeles, 160 miles north of Sacramento and 230 miles north of San Francisco.