UPDATE: In a thrilling turn of events, Bad Bunny’s latest mascot, the Sapo Concho, has catapulted the Fort Worth Zoo into the spotlight, raising over $15,000 for crucial conservation efforts. This surge in donations is directly linked to the pop star’s promotion of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, a species teetering on the brink of extinction.
The excitement surrounding Sapo Concho, Bad Bunny’s cute amphibian character, is not just online chatter. Diane Barber, senior curator of ectotherms at the Fort Worth Zoo, confirmed to CHRON that the funds will help establish a new breeding and conservation center in Puerto Rico, set to open in 2026. This initiative is a vital step in the fight to save a species with a wild population estimated between 1,000 and 3,000 adults.
For decades, the Fort Worth Zoo has spearheaded efforts to bring the Puerto Rican Crested Toad back from the edge of extinction. Through partnerships and a dedicated breeding program, the zoo has released hundreds of thousands of tadpoles into the wild. The recent attention from Bad Bunny has ignited fresh interest and funding, propelling the conservation initiative into the global conversation.
In a groundbreaking scientific achievement in 2019, researchers from the Fort Worth Zoo and Mississippi State University successfully executed the world’s first in vitro fertilization for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad, producing a notable individual known as Olaf. This breakthrough has significantly enhanced genetic diversity and bolstered the species’ recovery efforts.
As Sapo Concho gained traction, merchandise featuring the character, including plush toys and collectible figures, flew off the shelves. The limited-edition blind boxes released during Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency became a cultural phenomenon, driving visibility and donations for the conservation cause.
The stakes are high for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad. Official recovery plans are in place, but the situation remains critical. Conservationists stress that while this viral moment is a boon, sustained funding and infrastructure are essential for long-term success. Barber has emphasized that the real work begins after the initial hype fades.
Looking ahead, the spotlight on Sapo Concho is poised to shine even brighter. Bad Bunny, set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in early 2026, could bring even more attention to the conservation efforts of the Fort Worth Zoo. The hope is that this momentum will translate into tangible support for the toad’s survival.
For the Fort Worth Zoo, the Sapo Concho saga is a powerful reminder of how local conservation efforts can gain international traction through pop culture. The zoo and its partners are committed to ensuring that the tadpoles raised in their programs transition successfully to restored habitats in Puerto Rico, backed by the sustained support needed to secure a future for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad.
As the world watches, conservationists urge the public to continue rallying around this adorable amphibian and support the ongoing efforts to protect it.
