Our Cause

Axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish, are fascinating creatures that have captured the hearts of many people around the world. These adorable amphibians are unique in many ways, but they are also in need of our help.

My Cute Axolotl is proud to donate a portion of every sale to MOJA, an organization that is dedicated to protecting and supporting wild axolotls in their natural habitat.

Axolotls are native to Mexico, where they are known as ajolotes or chupacabras de agua (water monsters). They are a type of neotenic mole salamander, which means they retain their juvenile characteristics throughout their lives. Unlike most salamanders, which undergo metamorphosis to become adults, axolotls remain aquatic and retain their gills, fins, and juvenile features. This unique trait has made them popular in the pet trade, but it has also made them vulnerable in the wild.

The axolotl's natural habitat is the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City, which is home to the only remaining wild population of these creatures. Unfortunately, this population is under threat due to pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species. In recent years, the wild axolotl population has declined drastically, and they are now considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

This is where MOJA comes in. MOJA, or Movimiento Jaguar de Agua (Water Jaguar Movement), is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Xochimilco canals and their unique biodiversity, including the axolotl. Their work includes habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, scientific research, and community education and engagement.

One of the main threats to the axolotl is the pollution of their natural habitat. The Xochimilco canals are under constant pressure from pollution caused by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and waste disposal. MOJA's water quality monitoring program aims to measure and track water pollution levels in the canals, in order to inform and advocate for better water management practices.

Another threat to the axolotl is the introduction of invasive species, such as the tilapia fish and the Asian carp. These species compete with the axolotl for food and habitat, and can also prey on axolotl eggs and larvae. MOJA's habitat restoration program aims to remove invasive species from the canals and restore the native vegetation that provides essential habitat for the axolotl and other species.

MOJA also conducts scientific research on the axolotl and other species in the Xochimilco canals, in order to better understand their ecology and develop effective conservation strategies. Their research includes studying the axolotl's diet, behavior, and reproduction, as well as the impacts of pollution and invasive species on their populations.

In addition to their conservation work, MOJA also engages with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of the Xochimilco canals and their biodiversity. They work with schools, community groups, and other organizations to educate people about the axolotl and other species, and to encourage them to get involved in conservation efforts.

By supporting MOJA through our donations, My Cute Axolotl is proud to be a part of the effort to protect and support wild axolotls and their unique habitat. We believe that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small, and that together we can help to ensure a future for these amazing creatures.