Contact the Department

  • Herpetology
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • 55 Music Concourse Drive
  • San Francisco, CA 94118
  • 415-379-5289 (direct)

Contact the Collections Manager

For inquiries please contact:

  • Jens V. Vindum
  • Senior Collections Manager
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • 55 Music Concourse Drive
  • San Francisco, CA 94118
  • 415-379-5292 (direct)

Live Animals, Specimens, and Identifications

We do not work with the live animals on exhibit, nor do we focus on husbandry. Inquiries regarding animals on exhibit should be directed to the Aquarium.

Positive identifications can be made if a specimen is brought to the Naturalist Center. We can not declare genera based solely upon general descriptions, drawings, or even photographs.

Also, we only accept donations of specimens if you are able to provide locality data and date collected. Otherwise please contact the Academy's Naturalist Center - they take donations of specimens that are in good shape for educational purposes.

Contact a Staff Member

Please visit our department staff page to find the appropriate team member.

FAQs

  • Can you identify a reptile or amphibian for me?

    Positive identifications can only be made if a specimen is brought to our laboratory.  We cannot declare genera based solely upon general descriptions, drawings, or even photographs.

  • Can I donate specimens?

    We only accept donations of specimens if you are able to provide locality data, (this includes latitude and longitude as given by a GPS unit). Otherwise please contact the Academy's Naturalist Center . They take donations of specimens that are in good condition for educational purposes.

  • What’s the best way to take care of my animal?

    Please note that we do not work with the live animals on exhibit, nor do we focus on husbandry. Inquiries regarding animals on exhibit should be directed to the Aquarium, and for inquires regarding husbandry, we recommend contacting the East Bay Vivarium.