What is an axolotl?

Have you ever heard of a smiling pink salamander that never grows up? Meet the axolotl, the real-life superhero of the animal kingdom! In this amazing episode of Science is Not Boring, Mira and Finn dive into the chilly canals of Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City to uncover the secrets of the world’s weirdest amphibian. Did you know the ancient Aztecs called them "water dogs"? Or that if an axolotl loses a leg, it can completely grow a brand new one in just a few weeks? It is completely true! They use a superpower bump called a blastema to perfectly rebuild their bones and muscles. You will also learn how scientists are studying their giant DNA instruction manual—which is ten times larger than a human's—to learn how they heal without any scars. Plus, discover their secret ninja hunting move called the "suction strike" and find out how these fascinating creatures breathe using three different backup systems! Get ready to explore the wild world of the ultimate water dog and find out why we need to protect their natural habitat. Hit play now and test your knowledge in our fun trivia quiz at the end!