Girl, 10, finds rare Mexican axolotl under Welsh bridge
4 hours ago
- #animal conservation
- #wildlife discovery
- #endangered species
- Evie, a 10-year-old girl, discovered an endangered Mexican axolotl under a bridge in Bridgend, Wales, the first documented wild finding in the UK.
- The axolotl, named Dippy, was rescued by the family, who took it home to Leicester after cutting their holiday short, and experts believe Evie saved its life.
- Axolotls are salamanders that do not undergo metamorphosis, retaining gills and living in water, with abilities to regenerate body parts, but are challenging pets due to specific care needs.
- Popularity as pets has surged due to appearances in video games like Minecraft and Roblox, but releasing them into the wild is illegal and harmful to their welfare.
- Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss in Mexico, axolotls should not be bought impulsively, and discoveries should be reported to organizations like the NCRW.