From TikTok to McDonald’s Happy Meals, Mexico’s ancient axolotl is everywhere, except where it is supposed to be—in the wild.

MEXICO CITY — Legend has it the axolotl was not always an amphibian. Long before it became Mexico’s most beloved salamander and efforts to prevent its extinction flourished, it was a sneaky god.

managed to escape death by turning himself into a salamander. And that creature came to be known as the axolotl. In ancient Aztec tongue, the name 'Axolotl' translates to "water monster," and just ...

The critically endangered axolotl—also known as the Mexican salamander—shares a type of cell, called a glial cell, with humans. If an axolotl hurts its spinal cord, its glial cells go to work ...

Axolotls are peculiar pets known for their frilly gills and cute little smiles. However, these aquatic amphibians are more than just an appealing appearance. Their history, behaviors, and ...

Axolotls are a type of salamander native to Mexico. In recent years, they have risen to popularity due to their inclusion in ...

Meet the axolotl, Mexico City’s endangered, smiling salamander. In the southern part of Mexico City lies Xochimilco, a maze of canals filled with boats, music, food and tourists. It’s also one ...

a highly regenerative salamander, while blocking it in the adult mouse. Godwin is pictured here with a tank containing an axolotl.

This collection of axolotl salamanders has become the largest self-sustaining population in the world. The AGSC staff maintains an average breeding population of 1,000–1,200 adults, as well as a ...

The Aztecs, or Mexicas, as they called themselves, believed the axolotl to be a living spiritual representation of its namesake the god Xolotl, and used the salamander for food and medicine.

XOCHIMILCO, Mexico—A homely aquatic salamander with a cartoonish smile ... and inspiring a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy. Where the axolotl can barely be found: in its natural habitat in Mexico.