The Vivarium at Manchester Museum

FREE ENTRY

One of the most popular and distinctive of all the Museum’s galleries, the Vivarium is dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. It is home to many species of frogs, reptiles and lizards from South America, Australia and Madagascar, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of a first-hand encounter with some of the rarest creatures on the planet. The Museum is one of

the very few that boasts a comprehensive collection of live reptiles on display and which also plays a leading role in the conservation of some of the world’s most endangered amphibians. Visitors to the newly redeveloped Vivarium (which opened in autumn 2013) can find better displays, enhanced interpretation and most significantly are able to see more of the important conservation work that usually takes place behind the scenes. The Vivarium and its staff play a pioneering role in protecting critically endangered species. For example, the Museum is part of a consortium of institutions worldwide that are carrying out essential work in Europe and Costa Rica in an effort to save one very rare amphibian - the Lemur Leaf Frog (Agalychnis lemur). Within Costa Rica, this small frog is found only in one last remaining area. As well as supporting the frog’s survival in the wild, Manchester Museum are responsible for establishing the international captive breeding programme for the species to ensure its long-term survival.