The Wildlife Medical Clinic’s Ambassador Program is absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest member – Basil the American toad!
Basil was found injured in Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, IL in late October 2024. They were then brought to the Wildlife Medical Clinic by a community member for treatment. On our initial exam, it was suspected that there was an open fracture of their right hind limb. An additional fracture of one of their toes was found on that same leg. The treatment team administered pain medications, started a course of antibiotics, and arranged for them to be quickly and fully assessed by one of the WMC veterinarians.
The next day, these injuries were confirmed by taking radiographs. Since surgical repair was likely to be unsuccessful, amputation of the hindlimb was determined to be the best course of action. However, the WMC would not be able to release them into the wild with only three legs. This is because they would be at a disadvantage for getting around their environment, hunting, and escaping from predators. Conversations quickly turned to our ambassador program, and whether we would be willing to take on another resident. We eagerly agreed, and the veterinary team proceeded with the leg amputation on Halloween – October 31, 2024. The toad was kept in the WMC for a healing and recovery period of about six weeks.
Becoming an ambassatoad
Once we moved our newest education animal into the Ambassador building, we asked the WMC clinic and ambassador volunteers to submit name ideas. We received dozens of suggestions and narrowed it down to a handful for the clinic to vote on. The winner was Basil, with the British pronunciation, so it rhymes with “dazzle.”
Basil has adjusted well to living in the ambassador building. They enjoy burying themselves in the substrate, hunting for crickets and Dubia roaches, and getting daily soaks. In our care, having only three legs does not appear to be having any negative effects. We do not know if Basil is a male or female, but suspect we will find out soon. Toads start displaying sex-specific behaviors during breeding season in spring and early summer. If Basil is a male, we would expect their throat to darken. We would also hear them start singing to attract a mate, which would sound like a prolonged, high-pitched trill.
Croaking forward
As far as we can tell, this toad is our first amphibian ambassador in the WMC. We are excited that our ambassador team volunteers have the opportunity to learn the unique aspects of amphibian care. For instance, it is important to use gloves covered in dechlorinated water when handling. We are especially excited to bring Basil to our educational programs to teach the community about American toads. They have an important role in the ecosystem and we would love to teach you what to do if you come across an injured amphibian in nature!
Written by: Sarah, Class of 2026
