Endangered Mexican axolotl discovered by girl, 10, under a bridge in Wales

A 10-year-old girl has made an extraordinary discovery beneath a bridge in Wales, finding a rare and endangered Mexican axolotl. The young nature enthusiast’s unexpected encounter has left her mother in a state of shock and disbelief. Melanie Hill revealed that her daughter Evie came across the nine-inch amphibian while they were spending time by the River Ogmore near Bridgend.

Evie, who often enjoys exploring nature and discovering creatures like newts and insects, was taken aback by this unique find. The axolotl, an amphibian not previously documented in the wild within the UK, was found resting among rocks after Evie lifted a discarded mat in the shallow water. The creature appeared injured, with noticeable damage to its tail and stomach. “I went down to the bank and there was this axolotl there,” Evie explained. “I caught it and brought it back.”

The family decided to cut their holiday short and bring the axolotl, affectionately named Dippy after the location ‘Dipping Bridge’ where it was found, back to their home in Leicester. Chris Newman, the director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, praised Evie’s quick action, suggesting she likely saved the animal’s life. He highlighted that there are no other recorded sightings of Mexican axolotls in the UK or globally, making her discovery all the more remarkable. “This is a quite a unique situation, and I think the young female has a keen eye to actually spot it. I think she did remarkable to find him,” Newman said. He added that without her intervention, Dippy would have had little chance of survival.

Melanie admitted she was initially unsurprised by Evie’s find, given her daughter’s fascination with nature, although the reality of having the creature in their kitchen soon set in. Evie’s new pet has generated substantial interest at her school, where she shares its story with classmates who find Dippy fascinating. The family has dedicated considerable time to learning how to care for the axolotl properly and have no regrets about bringing him home. Meanwhile, experts note a rising popularity in axolotls as pets, spurred by their appearance in video games like Minecraft and Roblox. However, organizations such as the RSPCA and specialists warn that axolotls require specific care and are not suitable as impulse purchases due to their complex environmental and dietary needs

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