The Zaragoza Aquarium has taken a significant step forward in its new phase under the management of Global Omnium with the opening of an exhibition space dedicated entirely to amphibians. The installation, unveiled this Friday, aims to highlight the ecological importance of one of the most threatened vertebrate groups on the planet , while also showcasing the conservation projects undertaken by the center.
The new exhibit uses the axolotl (Ambystoma andersoni) as its ambassador species. This Mexican amphibian, famous for its extraordinary ability to regenerate limbs, organs, and even parts of its nervous system , acts as a hook to spark the curiosity of visitors, especially children, and lead them toward a broader message about protecting biodiversity.
A journey from Mexico to the Aragonese Pyrenees
Alongside the axolotl, the exhibition features specimens of the Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl), the largest tailed amphibian in the Iberian Peninsula . In addition, a prominent space is dedicated to two of the main conservation programs in which the Zaragoza Aquarium participates: the Pyrenean frog (Rana pyrenaica) and the Pyrenean newt (Calotriton asper), two emblematic species of the Aragonese Pyrenees whose survival depends on the protection and restoration of their natural habitats.
The aquarium's technical director, Javier González, explained that the objective goes far beyond simply showcasing a striking species. "We want to capitalize on the interest the axolotl generates to introduce the public to the extraordinary world of amphibians ," he stated, emphasizing that the exhibition reflects the philosophy of this new phase: to educate in order to conserve and promote our natural heritage.
Eight years of work with the Pyrenean frog
The center has been working for eight years on the conservation of the Pyrenean frog and has contributed to the release of around 700 specimens. It is also studying future actions with the Pyrenean newt. The Iberian ribbed newt is also part of conservation projects developed by the aquarium's management group , as González noted.
The installation combines information panels, educational resources, and direct observation of the animals to explain the ecological importance of amphibians, the risks that threaten their survival—such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change—and the role that conservation programs play.
First step in an ambitious renovation
The opening of this space marks the first initiative undertaken by Global Omnium since taking over management of the aquarium just over three months ago. The group, which also manages the Oceanogràfic in Valencia and the Seville Aquarium, is committed to leveraging the synergies between the three centers to strengthen research, environmental education, and animal welfare.
Global Omnium's Corporate Finance Director, Agustín Melchor, emphasized that the Zaragoza Aquarium, the largest river aquarium in Europe , has enormous potential that will require new investments and institutional support to solidify its position as a leading tourist and scientific destination. "This facility is the cornerstone of the project we want to develop ," he stated.
Environmental education for schoolchildren and families
The head of the aquarium's education department emphasized that the facility's renovation will be accompanied by a new educational program specifically designed for schoolchildren, with the aim of making amphibians the focus of numerous educational activities starting next school year. "People won't care for or protect what they don't know," she argued, noting that if a child leaves the aquarium interested in amphibians, the objective will have been achieved.
The outreach campaign about amphibians will continue over the coming months with various activities throughout the city. The goal is to establish the axolotl as the symbol of this new phase for the Zaragoza Aquarium and to use its popularity to communicate messages related to biodiversity conservation, the protection of aquatic ecosystems, and the importance of environmental education to the public.
The exhibition also aims to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater as a natural resource. Freshwater ecosystems represent barely 0,03% of the water on the planet, but they harbor high biodiversity and are essential for the survival of numerous species, including amphibians, which are especially sensitive to any alteration of their environment. With this initiative, the Zaragoza Aquarium reinforces its commitment to scientific outreach, environmental education, and biodiversity conservation , offering new experiences that bring the knowledge and protection of river ecosystems closer to the entire community.