If frogs had superheroes, the African bullfrog would be one of them. Found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, this frog is famous for its huge size, powerful jaws, and its surprising role as a protective parent.
These bullfrogs can grow as big as a dinner plate and weigh over two pounds! They’re usually olive green with a bulky body, wide mouth, and strong front legs—perfect for digging and hopping around the muddy edges of ponds and streams.
But here’s the coolest part: male African bullfrogs are amazing dads. When the rainy season comes and the tadpoles hatch, the father guards the babies and sometimes even digs channels to help them reach deeper water if their pond starts to dry up. Most frogs don’t do that!
Despite their size, African bullfrogs can stay hidden underground for months during dry seasons. They create a protective cocoon and wait for the rain—kind of like a frog hibernation called estivation.
These frogs aren’t picky eaters either. In fact, they’ll eat just about anything they can fit in their mouth—including insects, small rodents, reptiles, and even other frogs. Don’t worry though—at the zoo, they’re fed a healthy, frog-safe diet!
African bullfrogs are not always easy to find in zoos, but when you do spot one, it’s a great chance to learn about amphibians and the importance of freshwater habitats.
