The axolotl is critically endangered in the wild around Mexico City, existing largely in captivity, with welfare considerations for both pet trade and conservation populations.
Pet axolotl welfare is frequently compromised by inadequate tank size, poor water quality and inappropriate temperatures. As neotenic salamanders sensitive to environmental change, chronic stress from poor conditions causes immune suppression and fungal disease. Conservation populations in zoological facilities require careful management to maintain genetic diversity while meeting welfare needs. Wild recovery efforts face the challenge of restoring clean water to the heavily polluted Xochimilco canal system.