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Experts say the amphibian, native to Mexico, was likely abandoned, noting such releases are illegal and can harm local ecosystems.
WALES, UK — A routine day exploring a river in Wales turned into a rare wildlife discovery for a 10-year-old girl and her mother.
Evie Hill found a Mexican axolotl while wading in a river in Wales on April 10, according to the BBC. The amphibian, which is native to Mexico and rarely found in the wild outside its habitat, was discovered tucked between rocks under a discarded mat.
“I went down to the bank and there was this axolotl there,” Evie said. “I caught it and brought it back.”
Evie noticed the animal had injuries to its tail and stomach and carefully carried it to safety, her mother, Melanie Hill, told the outlet.
Experts say the find is highly unusual. Axolotls are native to Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City and are considered endangered, with as few as 50 to 1,000 remaining in the wild. The discovery is believed to be the first documented case of an axolotl found in the wild in the United Kingdom.
Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, told the BBC that the animal likely had been released by a previous owner, which is illegal and harmful to wildlife.
Axolotls are known for their unique ability to regenerate body parts, including limbs and even parts of their brain, adding to their reputation as one of the most unusual amphibians in the world.
They have grown in popularity as pets in recent years, partly due to their usage in video games, but experts warn they are difficult to care for and should not be released into the wild.
The family named the axolotl “Dippy,” after the “Dipping” bridge where it was found. They decided to keep it as a pet and have since been working with experts to ensure proper care.
“We’ve got a much bigger tank and we plan to get that set up so it can be transferred,” Melanie said.
Newman said the child’s quick actions likely helped the animal survive, given there have been no recorded sightings of Mexican axolotls outside their native land.
“This is a quite a unique situation, and I think the young female has a keen eye to actually spot it,” he said. “I think she did remarkably to find him.”
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