This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
Simplified: You can now see axolotls in their new habitat at the Butterfly House and Aquarium. Here's what you need to know about these adorable (and increasingly popular) amphibians.
Why it matters
- Axolotls are a critically endangered species that only exist in nature in one freshwater system near Mexico City. Only 50 to 1,000 axolotls are alive in the wild, according to Biologist Colton Eckstrand, and, though the species does well breeding in captivity, axolotls aren't meant to be household pets.
- Biologically, the axolotls are basically salamanders that "didn't grow up," Eckstrand said. Axolotls don't go through the same metamorphosis salamanders do to get rid of their feathery gills, and, in many ways, they're just babies their entire life.
- Axolotls have become increasingly popular culturally both because they were featured in the game Minecraft and because, frankly, they're just plain cute. Eckstrand hopes the axolotls can become ambassador animals that can be used to educate the public about all sorts of aquatic species.
"These guys have what I call the greatest trait an animal can have: they're cute to humans," he said. "Cuteness can help people connect with different species. That human to animal connection is incredibly impactful as empathy for animals can lead to conservation actions.
Tell me more about axolotls
Axolotls are technically amphibians, but you won't see them above water.
In their natural habitat, axolotls were historically a top predator, and ancient Aztec communities once used them as a source of food.
- Today, though, the wild axolotl population has shrunk dramatically due to invasive species and loss of habitat.
Don't worry, though, the axolotls as a species are not going anywhere, Eckstrand said. Captive breeding populations are common.
Axolotls, much like other lizards and salamanders, are also adept at regenerating parts of their body.
"Salamanders in general are pretty good at regeneration – these guys are crazy good," Eckstrand said. "They can regrow parts of their brain. They can regrow every basic part of their body, and then the other big thing is they are ridiculously able to transplant (parts of one axolotl to another)."
- Because of this, axolotls are important to medical research as scientists understand regeneration and transplanting.
They're so cute. Can I get one as a pet?
Axolotls are cute, yes, but they don't make great pets, Eckstrand said.
- While there are people who do have axolotls as pets, Eckstrand said. You can't really interact with them or touch them – they're very sensitive – and they also require specialized care.
How can I see the axolotls?
They're currently on exhibit at the Butterfly House and Aquarium, which is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
- Want to see them all the time? Get a Monarch Membership, and you can visit the cutie little axolotls whenever you want.
