African Savannah

Axolotl

Ambystoma mexicanum Axolotl

Animal Class:
Amphibians

Diet:
Omnivore

Status in the Wild:
Critically Endangered

Atypical Amphibian

Axolotls have external gills, a wide head, lidless eyes, and underdeveloped limbs because of a condition called neoteny, where the amphibians keep their larval features throughout their life. Axolotls also have the unique ability to re-grow whole limbs, making them widely used for scientific research. Entire new limbs and even portions of the brain and spine can be regenerated in a period of months!

Dirty Decline

As Mexico City continues to grow, so does the pollution of its lakes and canal systems. This is the most significant threat to the axolotls. Land draining, flood control and sewage disposal methods are all contributions to the decline of this species.

You can see Axolotls in the Zoo’s Creepy Crawlers exhibit.

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