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 FrogTentacled SnakeAmazon Milk FrogSmooth-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 AltruiEnjoy this journey into nature’s hidden superpowers—and remember, true magic often lies in what you almost miss.

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