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When Emma Honeyfield’s daughter, Amber, requested an axolotl for her birthday, Emma had no idea this wish would lead to a collection of 20 such amphibians. The first axolotl, named Stitch, was purchased in September, and since then, both mother and daughter have come to appreciate the creatures’ soothing presence. Amber, who is eight years old, had always been a challenging person to shop for, so Emma found it hard to refuse her unique request.
Emma believes part of Amber’s fascination might have stemmed from the popularity of axolotls in video games like Minecraft and Roblox, where the amphibians have a distinctive, smiling appearance. Despite the axolotl’s charm, these creatures are critically endangered in the wild, with population estimates ranging between 50 and 1,000 individuals globally. Experts stress the importance of prospective owners understanding their care requirements thoroughly before acquiring one, as axolotls have a potential lifespan of up to 20 years.
Tara Costellow, who heads the Axolotl and Reptile Rescue Centre in Worcestershire, describes these animals as “majestic” but acknowledges that their care can be overwhelming for newcomers. She cautions against impulsive purchases without proper knowledge, highlighting the complexities involved in maintaining the right conditions for axolotls. Emma echoes this sentiment, sharing her own experience of learning that setting up the right environment requires careful preparation. For example, tanks must undergo a “fishless cycle” which develops beneficial bacteria crucial for maintaining water quality, involving detailed processes such as dosing with ammonia and rigorous water testing.
Another owner, Kerry Allen from Dorset, has cared for her axolotl, Kev, for around three and a half years. Kerry, a dedicated animal lover, praises the pet for its fascinating behavior and unique appearance, but warns of the common misinformation surrounding their upkeep. She did extensive homework before bringing Kev home and notes that many axolotls suffer due to inadequate care advice, especially in pet shops. The National Centre for Reptile Welfare’s director, Chris Newman, also points out that many people underestimate the long-term commitment required, with some axolotls being re-homed when owners lose interest or face life changes. Meanwhile, Tara’s rescue center currently houses approximately 160 axolotls, reflecting a surge in demand—and subsequent surrenders—after their rise in popularity via video games. Tara emphasizes the importance of carefully vetting potential new owners to ensure these amphibians receive the specialized care they need throughout their often lengthy lives.
The RSPCA advises anyone considering an exotic pet like an axolotl to conduct thorough research before making a commitment. They highlight how exotic animals often end up in shelters once their care proves more demanding than anticipated or when the initial appeal fades. These amphibians require not only the appropriate environmental setup but also ongoing time, financial resources, and dedication. Proper care throughout their long lives—potentially 15 years or more—is essential to their well-being
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