If I have emailed you at any time (highly likely if you're in this group), you may have noticed the "treat for reading this far" line in my emails with an image of a strange little creature.
Meet LJ the Axolotl, the newest member of the Course Materials Department. We took over her care in July of 2021 and have gone through the axolotl rabbit-hole to worm farm pipeline in that short amount of time. From needing her worms fed in pieces to now gulping down two whole in one go, LJ is a BEAST!
We've learned so much about this incredible creature and would like to share this information with you to celebrate the axolotl, one of unfortunately many critically endangered animal species. LJ is a lab rescue and all axolotl pets in the U.S come from a captive breed of axolotl. This captive breed was introduced after scientists in medicine began studying axolotls for their regenerative properties. They can regrow any limb or bone, including spinal cord and parts of their brain!
Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, Mexico is home to the remaining few wild axolotls. Their numbers have dwindled due to food competition from invasive species, pollution, and shrinking habitat. These animals were once revered by the Aztecs for it's regenerative abilities and said to have been worshipped as one of the gods, Xolotl. Axolotl has it's origins from Nahuatl with "atl" meaning water and "xolotl" meaning dog or unusual creature.
We love when students visit and ask questions about her. It's been a joy to welcome you and your friends and we hope you continue to feel comfortable visiting our friend. She is our little piece of joy in the Course Materials Department :-)
In the spirit of Endangered Species Day, this is a celebration post of LJ.
Stop by and visit her for a free axolotl sticker while supplies last.