Bad Bunny videos featuring Puerto Rican crested toad helps Brookfield Zoo Chicago's conservation efforts, officials tell ABC7
Share this @internewscast.com

BROOKFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — In recent music videos associated with his latest album, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny highlighted a particular amphibian, the Puerto Rican crested toad, previously believed to be extinct.

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago has long been integral in efforts to prevent the extinction of this toad. These endeavors are now receiving significant attention, thanks to Bad Bunny’s influence.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Zoo officials told ABC7 that approximately 30 crested toads reside there. Recently, thousands of tadpoles were transported from Illinois to Puerto Rico, where they were released into the wild.

Puerto Rican crested toad.

Puerto Rican crested toad.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Bad Bunny’s video featuring the endangered species led to donations to the Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy for the construction of a new breeding center, according to a report confirmed to ABC7 by Brookfield Zoo Chicago officials.

Mike Masellis, Lead Animal Care Specialist for Aquatics at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, joined ABC7 Wednesday evening to talk more about their conservation efforts.

Masellis shared more details about the Puerto Rican crested toad, how Brookfield Zoo Chicago is involved in the effort to save the animal.

The full interview can be viewed in the video player above.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open seven days a week. They are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Blue city felon with violent history arrested in deadly train platform stabbing after parole release: report

Violent Ex-Felon Recently Released on Parole Arrested for Fatal Stabbing at Train Platform, Report Says

Police and a local news report indicate that a paroled felon with…
Turning Point, moving forward without Charlie Kirk, makes first return to Utah since his killing

Turning Point Moves Ahead Without Charlie Kirk, Visits Utah for the First Time Since His Death

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Turning Point USA’s college tour is set to…
Iowa revokes license of schools superintendent arrested by ICE, saying he is in US illegally

Iowa Rescinds License of School Superintendent Detained by ICE for Alleged Illegal U.S. Residency

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — On Monday, the professional license of the…
Who, Me?! Hard Left Billionaire Financier George Soros Professes Total Innocence Amid DOJ Accusations

George Soros Denies Involvement in DOJ Allegations as He Faces Scrutiny

Hungarian-born billionaire financier George Soros is often likened to a James Bond…
Drug task force seizes record-breaking 1 million pounds of cocaine, denying cartels and narco-terrorists $11B

Drug task force confiscates record 1 million pounds of cocaine, cutting off cartels and narco-terrorists from $11 billion

A Coast Guard crew member assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Diligence (WMEC…
Reported threat at Jewish Congregation of Venice prompts large police response

Large Police Presence Responds to Reported Threat at Venice Jewish Congregation

The Jewish Congregation received phone calls threatening to “kill everyone,” according to…
ICE in Chicago: Federal agents surround South Shore apartment building as DHS requests military deployment to Illinois

Immigration Authorities in Chicago: Federal Agents Encircle South Shore Apartment as Homeland Security Seeks Military Assistance in Illinois

CHICAGO (WLS) — Questions remain after the announcement that the federal government…
ICE in Chicago protest: Neurodivergent man among 4 charged after clash at Broadview ICE facility, supporters say

Chicago ICE Protest: Supporters Report Neurodivergent Man and 3 Others Charged Following Broadview Facility Incident

CHICAGO (WLS) — Four individuals appeared in court on Monday following a…
Chicago Cubs set to take on San Diego Padres in first MLB playoff game at Wrigley Field since 2020

Chicago Cubs Gear Up to Face San Diego Padres in First Wrigley Field MLB Playoff Since 2020

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s an exciting day on the city’s North Side.…
Congress faces funding impasse as government shutdown looms

Congress Struggles to Approve Funding, Risking Government Shutdown

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders left a White House meeting with President…
Trump plans 100% tax on foreign-made films

Trump Proposes Full Tax on Internationally Produced Films

Claiming that movie production has been “stolen” from Hollywood and the U.S.,…
Second detainee dies after Dallas ICE facility sniper attack, family speaks out

Family Responds After Second Inmate Dies Following Sniper Incident at Dallas ICE Facility

A second detainee passed away after a gunman opened fire on a…