Mexico’s endangered axolotls take focus in new Vancouver Aquarium exhibit

Vancouver Aquarium is increasing its deal with one of many world’s most uncommon and critically endangered amphibians with the launch of “Amazing Axolotls!” — a brand new everlasting exhibit opening Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.

The new gallery builds on the aquarium’s present axolotl show, reworking it into a bigger and extra immersive expertise designed to showcase the animal’s biology, cultural roots, and conservation challenges. Known for his or her frilly exterior gills, distinctive expressions, and extraordinary skill to regenerate misplaced physique components, axolotls have grow to be a logo of each scientific curiosity and environmental concern.

“Axolotls are an exceptionally unique species that spark curiosity and fascination. Through this exhibit, we hope guests gain a deeper understanding of — and connection to — this remarkable animal,” stated Mackenzie Neale, the director of animal look after the aquarium.

The exhibit options three habitats — two devoted to axolotls and one to fish — designed at related heights to make sure clear viewing for guests of all ages. Educational panels discover the species’ origins, biology, and conservation standing, whereas an interactive photograph set up, “Smile Like An Axolotl,” invitations guests to interact with the exhibit in a playful method.

Wild axolotls at the moment are discovered solely in Mexico City’s historic canal system

The aquarium can be highlighting the axolotl’s fragile standing within the wild. Endemic to Mexico, the species now survives naturally solely within the canals of Xochimilco, a historic wetland system in Mexico City.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there could also be solely between 50 and 1,000 axolotls left within the wild, and aquariums and zoos worldwide are working to breed the species to assist guarantee its survival. They have additionally grow to be comparatively widespread within the pet commerce, however they aren’t widespread family pets in the best way fish, reptiles, or small mammals are.

Xochimilco canal in Mexico City. (Libia Segura/Shutterstock)

Axolotls disappeared from practically all of Mexico primarily as a result of their freshwater habitat was destroyed and closely altered by human exercise.

As Mexico City expanded, a lot of the lake system the place axolotls as soon as lived was drained, polluted, or stuffed in, leaving solely the canals of Xochimilco as their final pure refuge. Poor water high quality, the introduction of invasive fish that prey on axolotl eggs, and the decline of conventional chinampa farming methodology additional degraded the ecosystem. Together, these pressures brought about a gradual inhabitants collapse, leaving the axolotl critically endangered within the wild at the moment.

“This display offers Canadians a closer look at this extraordinary salamander and the need to protect its delicate habitat. Endemic to the Valley of Mexico, the axolotl now survives in the wild only in Xochimilco, an ecological treasure in Mexico City,” stated Mexican Deputy Consul in Vancouver, Luis Gerardo Hernández Madrigal.

“We thank the Vancouver Aquarium for helping share the story of this remarkable species and invite visitors to discover the exhibition — and, one day, the vibrant waterways of Xochimilco, which the axolotl calls home.”

International collaboration is a key theme of the exhibit’s message. Founder of Acuarios Michin Mexico, Marisol Lozano, additionally praised the initiative.

“At Michin Aquarium, we acknowledge the outstanding work of the Vancouver Aquarium in promoting, communicating, and actively supporting conservation efforts for the axolotl, one of Mexico’s most iconic and endangered endemic species,” stated Lozano. “Initiatives like these highlight that protecting biodiversity is a shared global responsibility, strengthened through collaboration among institutions and across borders.”

Amazing Axolotls! (Vancouver Aquarium)