They’re giant Cuban tree frogs, they’re toxic, they have big appetites, and they’re an invasive exotic species. Despite their name, there’s no evidence that their presence here is due to a Castro plot. They came here from the Caribbean pet trade, and then made a break for it or were turned loose by irresponsible pet owners.
Here are some great pix and a detailed article, courtesy of the University of Florida Wildlife Extension. They come in many different colors; it’s almost too bad they’re so darned cute! But then, they are an exotic species, so you are allowed to keep them as pets - confined safely indoors.
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On August 7, 2007, Astro left The Marine Mammal Center at a whopping 252 pounds and was taken to UC Santa Cruz’s Long Marine Lab, where he is participating in training and metabolic rate and hearing research studies. Researchers at Long report that Astro is settling in well. He is eating almost 25 pounds of fish a day and seems to enjoy learning basic commands, responding to both verbal and whistle prompts. These skills will be necessary to ensure proper care for him as he has more contact with human caretakers in the future.
Astro will likely be transferred to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut this fall. As one of only five facilities in the world where Steller sea lions can be viewed, Mystic Aquarium has the specialized experience to care for Astro. Not only will he be in an environment with other Steller sea lions, but he will serve as a great educational subject to many people as they learn about the threatened species through him.
