Deep beneath the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico lives one of the strangest (and cutest) creatures on Earth: the axolotl.

Meet Ralph, an axolotl who is VERY tired of looking like a baby.

While the other animals zoom around the canals having fun, Ralph is determined to become a serious grown-up. He grows a moss mustache. Carries an important-looking briefcase. Attends “business meetings.” And even tries disgusting grown-up food.

There’s just one problem: being a grown-up is exhausting.

Join Carie, Lincoln, and Eliza as they dive into the weird and wonderful world of the axolotl: the smiling salamander who never grows up.

Kids will discover:

• How axolotls can regrow legs, tails, and even parts of their hearts
• Why scientists study axolotls to learn about healing and regeneration
• How axolotls slurp up food like underwater vacuum cleaners
• Why wild axolotls are critically endangered in Mexico

Keep exploring:

• Download an axolotl coloring sheet
• Follow us on Instagram @wildandkindkidspod
• Show us your coloring sheet or request an animal: wildandkindkidspod@gmail.com
• Sign up for email updates

Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted:

• Axolotl (National Geographic Kids)
• 10 Absolutely Amazing Axolotl Facts (WWF)
• Adopt an Axolotl Virtually
• New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration (U.S. National Science Foundation)
• Axolotls can regrow limbs. Could they one day help us do the same? (National Geographic)