# Lab raised axolotls are surviving in the wild and gaining weight in a huge win for the rare species

Source: [Earth.com](https://www.earth.com/animals/lab-raised-axolotls-are-surviving-in-the-wild-and-gaining-weight-in-a-huge-win-for-the-rare-species/) · 2026-11-13 · Earth & Climate
Page: https://themorning.science/story/lab-raised-axolotls-are-surviving-in-the-wild-and-gaining-weight-in-a-huge-win-f-016a3e2cb329edc4
Kind: research · Impact: medium

## In brief

- Scientists released 18 lab-raised axolotls into two wetlands in Mexico City.
- According to Earth.com, the released axolotls are surviving in the wild and gaining weight.
- Axolotls are nearly gone in the wild; their only natural home is Lake Xochimilco, a network of canals in southern Mexico City.

## Why it matters

The report offers an early sign that captive-bred axolotls can survive and grow after release into the wild, which bears on reintroduction efforts for a species nearly extinct in its natural habitat.

## Coverage

- [Lab raised axolotls are surviving in the wild and gaining weight in a huge win for the rare species](https://www.earth.com/animals/lab-raised-axolotls-are-surviving-in-the-wild-and-gaining-weight-in-a-huge-win-for-the-rare-species/) — Earth.com, 2026-11-13

Tags: axolotl, conservation, reintroduction, amphibians, mexico city

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Brief generated by AI (claude-haiku-5-5) from the reporting listed under Coverage. Headlines belong to their publishers. The Morning Science – https://themorning.science