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Meet Gage Denney
At SAVE THE FROGS!, we are always inspired when passionate, skilled conservationists reach out to join our mission. When Gage Denney, an Animal Care Professional of Ectotherms at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, contacted us about getting involved, we knew we had found someone special. We are thrilled to welcome Gage as the first volunteer in our brand new Costa Rica Volunteers Program, where he will be working alongside local amphibian biologist Víctor Acosta Chaves beginning May 2026.
Gage at the Naples Zoo with his son and a Galapagos Tortoise.
A Lifelong Love of Herps
Gage’s story begins in rural Michigan, where he grew up surrounded by farmlands, open fields, forests, and wetlands. From an early age, he was out in the fields searching for garter snakes and Northern leopard frogs — and really anything else the Michigan wilderness had to offer. That early curiosity never faded.
By the time Gage reached Michigan State University — one of the world’s top animal science programs — he was ready to turn his passion into a profession. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, taking courses in herpetology, ecology, conservation, animal behavior, ornithology, invertebrate biology, and aquarium and zoo science. He also led and mentored fellow students through the MSU Herp Club and the Zoological Student Association, and began working as an animal caretaker at a well-known facility in Lansing.
That foundation launched a deeply animal-focused career. Gage has worked in multiple animal care facilities and veterinary laboratories, including one of the world’s largest amphibian breeding facilities, contributing to projects that improve the welfare of animals in human care. Today, his role at the Naples Zoo places him at the intersection of professional animal care and field conservation — and the Zoo actively encourages its keepers to pursue exactly that kind of work through conservation field leave projects.
A Message From Gage
“I will be leaving for Costa Rica soon and will spend half a month working with conservationists to assist with amphibian habitat restoration, species and population census, educational outreach, and more! Part of this project will focus specifically on the endangered Blue-Sided Leaf Frog (Agalychnis annae)! I am beyond excited to put my skills to work out in the wilds of Costa Rica. I strive to learn as much as I can about herptiles and their habitats — and this is an incredible opportunity to do exactly that.”
Gage Denney target trains Brutus, a 599 lb American Alligator, at the Naples Zoo in Florida.
How You Can Help
Amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet, and the work Gage will be doing in Costa Rica is exactly the kind of on-the-ground effort that makes a difference. In an inspiring show of community support, Gage’s GoFundMe has already surpassed his goal — his travel expenses and program fee are fully covered. Now he’s keeping the fundraiser going, and every dollar raised from this point forward goes directly to SAVE THE FROGS! and our worldwide amphibian conservation efforts.
Even if donating isn’t possible right now, sharing the fundraiser link goes a long way.
Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens for supporting Gage’s participation in this pilot program, and we look forward to sharing updates from the field as Gage and Víctor get to work on behalf of Costa Rica’s amphibians. Stay tuned — and help us give Gage a warm SAVE THE FROGS! welcome!
Gage Denney at the Naples Zoo with a Madagascar Giant Hog-Nosed Snake.
