Mexico's endangered axolotls featured in new Vancouver Aquarium exhibit

The Vancouver Aquarium opens a permanent gallery called "Amazing Axolotls!" on Jan. 11, 2026, expanding its axolotl display to showcase the species' biology, cultural roots and conservation. The IUCN reports there may be roughly 50–1,000 axolotls left in the wild, now surviving naturally only in the canals of Xochimilco.

Vancouver Aquarium is opening a new permanent gallery called "Amazing Axolotls!" on Jan. 11, 2026. The gallery expands the aquarium's existing axolotl display into a larger, more immersive experience that highlights the animals' biology, cultural roots and conservation challenges. The exhibit includes three habitats designed for clear viewing, as well as educational panels and an interactive photo installation called "Smile Like An Axolotl." Mackenzie Neale, the aquarium's director of animal care, said the display aims to deepen visitors' understanding and connection to the species. What the exhibit presents: - The gallery opens Jan. 11, 2026, and is a permanent addition to the aquarium. - The exhibit features three habitats: two dedicated to axolotls and one to fish, arranged at similar heights for viewing. - Educational panels cover the axolotl's origins, biology and conservation status, and there is an interactive photo installation for visitor engagement. - The IUCN estimates there may be about 50–1,000 axolotls left in the wild; the species now survives naturally only in the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. - The article reports the wild decline is linked to habitat loss as Mexico City expanded (lake systems drained, polluted or filled), poor water quality, invasive fish that eat axolotl eggs, and a decline in traditional chinampa farming. - The exhibit emphasizes international collaboration; Mexican officials and leaders from Mexican aquariums praised the Vancouver Aquarium's work and the article notes zoos and aquariums worldwide are working on breeding efforts. Summary: The exhibit offers a closer look at the axolotl’s biology, cultural significance and the conservation pressures it faces, and it is intended to raise awareness through immersive displays and information. It opens Jan. 11, 2026, and highlights ongoing institutional efforts and international collaboration on breeding and conservation. Long-term outcomes for wild axolotl populations remain uncertain.