The Tale of the Axolotl: Survival in the Modern World
- Chipco Preserve
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Maeve Kiley
The Astonishing Ability
Picture this. You're no bigger than a pencil—just five fragile inches of feathery-gilled resilience, gliding through the murky waters of Lake Xochimilco, tucked deep in southern Mexico City. You are ancient, rare, and almost mythical. You are an axolotl.
But serenity doesn't last long in these shrinking wetlands—the water ripples. A flash of glittering scales cuts through the silt. It's a tilapia—an invasive powerhouse with no place in your ancestral home. You panic. Your tiny limbs churn like oars. You dodge, twist, dart into a rocky outcrop, and wedge beneath the pebbles.
Too late. A blur of silver strikes. Pain sears through you as your back leg is torn clean off.
For most creatures, this would be the end. A death sentence. But not for you. Because you're no ordinary amphibian, you are one of evolution's rare miracles—able to regrow entire limbs, spinal cords, and even parts of your heart and brain. Your leg will return to normal in a few weeks as if nothing happened.
Still, there's a catch: your gift means nothing if your home disappears. Lake Xochimilco is vanishing. Invasive species, pollution, and urban sprawl are choking your watery world. At one time, you ruled these canals. Now, you're fighting for every breath, every inch of space, and every shred of survival.
Will the axolotl endure?
That part of the story—we write together.
Aztec Axolotl
In the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, the word "axolotl" means "water dog." They have a mythological connection to the Aztec god Xolotl, the god of fire, sunsets, twins, lightning, death, and the underworld. The Aztecs revered the cycle of life, viewing death with less negative connotations than many Western societies. The axolotl was a manifestation of the death god who swam in the ancient lakes of Mexico City to elude his impending sacrifice. Although the axolotls are small, the Aztecs saw them as mighty, with their regeneration powers as a display of the god's majesty. They were also present in the funerary practices of the Aztec people, serving as spiritual guides to the afterlife. Many of these stories and practices are recorded in the Florentine Codex, but axolotls still hold a prominent place in Mexican culture. Specifically, they are captured in art, such as the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera's iconic murals and Mexico City's 50-peso banknote. Their ability to regenerate limbs symbolizes the Mexican people's strength and resilience to preserve their culture and keep their ancestral lands.
An Internet Icon
The internet has seen many mascots. From the sassy Shiba Inu from Japan named Kabosu to the iconic cat Tardar Sauce, better known by his nickname "Grumpy Cat." Cute animals have always held a special place in the hearts of internet users, with traditionally unknown animals being particular favorites. Axolotls have floated around internet spheres for some time. However, they achieved mainstream acclaim when they were introduced in their 2021 Minecraft appearance, the first video game to sell over 300 million copies. Children worldwide were intrigued and enamored with the axolotl's round head, spindly body, and permanent smile. Many saw them as 'mini dragons,' but TikTok trends quickly emerged, with scientists, zookeepers, and pet owners showing off the famed axolotls. Axolotls also hit the marketing scene with stuffed animals, plushies, water bottles, clothing, and even food items bearing the name and/or an artistic depiction of the famed salamander. No matter where you go, there is a high likelihood of seeing the axolotl's smiling face.
The Fight for Salamander Survival
In 2019, the International Union for the Conservation of Species assessed only 50 to 1,000 axolotls left in the wild. This population rapidly declined, with their numbers decreasing faster and faster. Heartbreaking news came out in 2024 from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which predicts that axolotls will completely disappear from their native habitat in Xochimilco canals by the end of 2025. Salamanders' main threats are rapid urbanization, pollution, and invasive species. The expansion of Mexico City has seen many crucial canals drained and the destruction of the lake complex. Invasive species such as tilapia and carp have been introduced, which decimated already hurting axolotl populations by eating their eggs and competing for resources. The rising global temperatures from climate change have also played a part in the dwindling axolotl populations, with their lakes and canals becoming hotter and hotter, hurting the delicate ecosystem they require for survival. These factors combined create a near-impossible environment for axolotls to thrive in, making their lives painful, challenging, and short-lived. Although millions of people adore the axolotl, not many of them know the extent of their human-made challenges.
How to Help
Environmental organizations and the chapters of the Mexican government are racing to save the remaining axolotl population. Conservation organizations like UNAM, Conservation International, and GlobalGiving are working on restoring the struggling habitat and creating biofilters to combat water pollution. UNAM maintains a breeding colony of axolotls with wild bloodlines that they plan on releasing once the habitat quality has been restored. Conservation International tirelessly works to secure grants to clean the waters and promote more biofilter production. GlobalGiving focuses on the flora and fauna of Lake Xochimilco, which the axolotl rely upon for food and shelter. Raising awareness is a large part of these conservation organizations' efforts with worldwide campaigns, social media groups, and websites. UNAM started the "Adoptaxolotl Campaign," which focuses on educating the public on the plight of the axolotl and provides opportunities for donations toward the species' continued survival. Just USD 10 (204.37 Mexican pesos) can buy food for the individual axolotl for a month, with the donation options going up to USD 5,393 (110,215.12 Mexican pesos) to restore a waterway channel. These organizations and many others are working to keep the axolotl alive, preserving a beloved, critical species and its cultural impact.
Much like an axolotl, we can regenerate the damaged environment. Although things will never be the same, it is not too late. We need to work together and fight for change!
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