From Axolotls to Dart Frogs, Meet the Aquarium’s Behind-the-Scenes Stars

Axolotls

For most, an Animal Encounter is their first time seeing axolotls in real life.

In the wild, this endangered species of salamander only lives in the waters and wetlands of Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, Mexico.

“Chi,” a 14-year-old male axolotl at the Aquarium named for this lake, is a pinkish white color because he is leucistic—a genetic mutation that results in reduced pigmentation, except for a small spot above his right eye. “Fantasma,” a female axolotl at the Aquarium, is primarily mottled brown, more closely resembling wild axolotls.

Animal welfare is always top of mind during Animal Encounters, which is why the axolotls travel to and from the programs in style, in a mobile enclosure. They don’t like being touched, and it is important not to disturb the sensitive layer of mucus on their skin, so transporting their habitat as a whole works best.

“They’re super cool to learn about because they’re an awesome, really unique animal,” Becky said. They are known for their frilly external gills, their curved mouth “smile,” and their remarkable ability to regenerate limbs.