LA JOLLA, CA — Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego opened a new exhibit Wednesday featuring endangered axolotls, large-scale artwork and interactive displays highlighting the species' cultural history and conservation.
"The Axolotl's Garden/El Jardín del Ajolote" explores the endangered salamander's origins, habitat and threats to its survival. The exhibit features two axolotl habitats, along with other Mexican species, including Tequila splitfins and blind cave tetras.
Visitors will also see colorful murals by artist Itzel Islas, giant cloth monarch butterflies, hand-painted signs depicting Mexico City's Lake Xochimilco and dozens of handcrafted axolotl-shaped lanterns.
"Fewer people know that the name Axolotl comes from an Aztec god, and that Axolotls are on the brink of extinction in the only home they've ever known: Mexico City's Lake Xochimilco," said Megan Dickerson, the aquarium's director of exhibits.
"Our project goes beyond the hype to connect the public with the real Mexican people who are using ancestral knowledge and current science to restore Axolotl habitats."
The exhibit will include six months of special programming, beginning with Day of the Dead displays honoring pets and endangered species. Artist Maricruz Alvarado will create two altars, known as ofrendas, for Oct. 27. Visitors can contribute the names of beloved pets they have lost to a community altar, while a second altar will honor endangered species, including axolotls, mountain yellow-legged frogs and Loggerhead sea turtles.
Next spring, UC San Diego students will perform a bilingual theatrical production by Iyari Arteaga exploring Mexican culture and axolotl conservation.
The exhibit will also be open during the aquarium's Halloween events, including Oceans at Night for adults 21 and older on Thursday and the family-friendly Halloween Aglow on Friday and Saturday.
The Axolotl's Garden and its programming are included with general aquarium admission. Halloween events require separate tickets.
More information is available on the Birch Aquarium website.
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