Thirty-five axolotls seized in a wildlife trafficking operation at a Porto Alegre restaurant have been relocated to the Sapucaia do Sul Zoo, the largest in Rio Grande do Sul.
In a significant move for wildlife conservation, 35 axolotls, a critically endangered amphibian species native to Mexico, have been relocated to the Sapucaia do Sul Zoo in Brazil after being confiscated from an aquarium at a restaurant in Porto Alegre. This operation was part of a crackdown on animal trafficking, which has seen increasing attention from authorities in Brazil due to the illegal trade in endangered species.
This is the first time that the Sapucaia do Sul Zoo has housed axolotls, highlighting the zoo's commitment to species conservation and the importance of adapting facilities to care for unique wildlife. To accommodate these animals, the zoo has made necessary modifications to their aquariums, including maintaining optimal water temperature and installing a continuous aeration system to ensure their well-being.
The transfer of these axolotls follows a lengthy quarantine and adaptation period overseen by the Jardim Botânico de Porto Alegre and the zoo itself. The relocation of these endangered creatures underscores the challenges faced by conservationists in Brazil and the importance of continued efforts to combat animal trafficking while providing appropriate habitats for rescued wildlife.
