Ceratophrys ornata

These nocturnal frogs from South America are very colorful and striking in appearance.  Body length can be as much as eight and one-half inches with females larger than males and weight exceeding one pound.  Their upper eyelids are extended to form long tips or "horns". They have large, strong mouths and jaws with teeth on the upper edge of their jaw and two vomerine teeth (knob-like, backward slanting on the roof of their mouth)  for feeding and defense.  Their prey includes mice, lizards and other frogs.  The body coloration of lines and blotches provides an excellent camouflage breaking up the lines of the frog.  They settle deep in the foliage with only their eyes protruding and lie in wait for prey.  They even sleep with their eyes open.  Life span is five to ten years. 

Our ornate horned frog Jabba arrived in June 1997.  Jabba was fed a mouse every two weeks except in winter, when just one a month was sufficient.  Sometimes she had gone as long as three months in the winter without eating.  She arrived with instructions to be careful not to get too close, because her bite can be like a bulldog's (she won’t let go), tongs were used to deliver the fresh dead mouse.  She spent most of the time soaking in water to keep her skin from drying out.  Jabba, one of our most popular exhibits, died of old age in July 2005.  The zoo has received 4 mini "Jabbas" in June 2006 as a replacement.  They each have different colored markings.  We hope they will grow as big as their namesake.