One of the many wonders of the Science Center is the breeding, raising, and keeping of a strange creature called the axolotl that can breathe in both water and air!

Back in 2010, the Science Center used one of our axolotls, known as Godzilla, and bred him with another axolotl known as Pinky. Godzilla and Pinky, together made a batch of eggs that hatched on January first. (New Year axolotl babies!!!!) Since then, the Life Science Lab has been caring for these baby axolotls until they grow up.

The Axolotl, also known as the “Mexican Salamander,” or the “Water Dragon,” is an amphibian that was once found in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco located in Mexico. However, from the expansion of Mexico City the axolotls are all but extinct. The last scientific survey could not find any axolotls in the wild; however the natives to the area can still find some to put on the market.

What makes the axolotl so interesting is that it is one of the only animals in the world to keep their gills from their adolescent years as well as develop lungs. So these animals can breathe under water as well as above water. These animals are also regenerative, which means if they accidentally lose a leg, or part of their tail, it is no problem, because they will grow back!

Scientists spend a lot of time studying these regenerative salamanders to try and figure out exactly how the axolotl can re-grow an entire leg. Once geneticists know how the axolotl can do it, the goal is to be able to use that knowledge in re-growing human limbs. Along with that the axolotl is being studied to help cure several different diseases including cancer.

The Life Science Lab is also using these axolotls in the class room. Several teachers in the area received an axolotl to babysit and use in the class room. The teachers can use these strange creatures to talk about amphibians, extinction, or just general biology. If you think your class room would be a good home for an axolotl, have your teacher call us at the Saint Louis Science Center, and ask for the Life Science Lab.