UPDATE: Bad Bunny’s latest era has catapulted the Fort Worth Zoo into a global conservation spotlight, generating over $15,000 in donations for the endangered Puerto Rican crested toad. The pop star’s character, Sapo Concho, is not just a mascot but a powerful symbol fueling conservation efforts and community engagement.
This surge in donations comes as the zoo prepares to open a new breeding and conservation center in Puerto Rico by 2026. Diane Barber, senior curator of ectotherms at the Fort Worth Zoo, confirmed to CHRON that the excitement surrounding Sapo Concho has transformed a once-obscure amphibian into a conservation icon. “Fans are stepping up, turning their enthusiasm into real financial support,” she stated.
For decades, the Fort Worth Zoo has been dedicated to the recovery of the Puerto Rican crested toad, coordinating extensive breeding and reintroduction programs. With an estimated wild population of only 1,000 to 3,000 adult toads remaining, the need for sustained efforts has never been more critical. The zoo has released hundreds of thousands of tadpoles into the wild, aiming to restore self-sustaining populations in Puerto Rico.
The recent pop-culture phenomenon surrounding Sapo Concho has been bolstered by a successful crypto fundraising initiative using the $Concho tag, which has helped convert fan excitement into financial resources for conservation. The character’s popularity surged after its appearance in Bad Bunny’s short film and during his concert residency in Puerto Rico, where it became a hit among fans.
The Fort Worth Zoo’s conservation efforts have benefited from significant scientific advancements. In 2019, a groundbreaking in vitro fertilization success produced an individual named Olaf, who went on to father a generation of tadpoles, enriching the genetic diversity of the species. Collaborators from Mississippi State University have emphasized how these techniques have provided vital tools to stabilize the population.
Sapo Concho merchandise, including limited-edition plush toys and collectible keychains, has quickly sold out, reflecting the character’s viral impact. This cultural moment has drawn attention to the critical state of the Puerto Rican crested toad, which is listed as imperiled and relies on ongoing conservation efforts.
While the current excitement is a promising start, zoo officials stress that long-term success hinges on continued funding and infrastructure development. “This is just the beginning,” Barber warned. “We need to ensure that the momentum translates into lasting conservation outcomes.”
Looking ahead, with Bad Bunny set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in early 2026, the Sapo Concho could reach an even larger audience. The zoo is hopeful that this increased visibility will bolster support for ongoing conservation work.
As the Fort Worth Zoo demonstrates, the intersection of pop culture and conservation can drive substantial change and inspire a community to rally around a cause. However, the real challenge lies in ensuring the longevity of these efforts, as the focus shifts from viral moments to the crucial work of restoring natural habitats in Puerto Rico.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing efforts to save the Puerto Rican crested toad.
