Since 2017, researchers at the Autonomous University of Baja California have been investigating whether captive axolotls can live in the wild, and results show that they thrive in their natural habitat.

18 axolotls, commonly referred to as Mexican salamanders, were captured by researchers at the Autonomous University of Baja California. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this species would thrive in captivity and if they could successfully be reintroduced into their natural habitat afterward.

In 2017 and 2018, researchers tracked and subsequently released 18 salamanders—nine males and nine females—across two aquatic sites in southern Mexico City. Alana Wise from NPR conducted an interview with Alejandra Ramos, the lead researcher behind this study. Ramos states, “‘What we learned is if we can reintroduce these axolotls that have been in captivity to the restored wetland where the water conditions are ideal for the axolotls, they can survive,”’ (Alana Wise, May 3, 2025).

The research group was aware that many species released back into the wild after being held in captivity often struggle to survive, as they can’t detect predators or locate food sources. Because of this, they had little confidence in the survival prospects of this particular species. However, Ramos reports that axolotls can actually thrive in their natural habitats after being kept in captivity. Recent tracking shows that they have grown larger than before, indicating that they have successfully found food and managed to stay alive.

Andy Corbley from the Good News Network provides a good piece of information that may be the reason for axolotls being able to survive. They state, “…The axolotl can regenerate any part of its body that it can lose without dying,” and begin to question if this phenomenon could be harnessed in medicine (Andy Corbley, May 5, 2025).

Despite concerns about the survival of this endangered species, it appears that axolotls are set for a brighter and more thriving future.