In a heartening win for conservation, scientists in Mexico have successfully reintroduced 18 captive-bred axolotls into restored wetlands near Mexico City—marking a rare glimmer of hope for one of the world’s most endangered amphibians. Known for their permanent grin and remarkable ability to regrow body parts, these rare salamanders had nearly vanished from their natural habitat due to pollution and urban development.
But after months of preparation, researchers and local volunteers created clean, artificial wetland refuges to give the axolotls a fighting chance. All of the released animals not only survived but thrived, gaining weight and showing signs of social behavior. This small success signals the possibility of a broader recovery in the future—proving that with care, collaboration, and community support, even species on the brink can begin to bounce back.