Girl, 10, finds rare Mexican axolotl under Welsh bridge

A 10-year-old girl who loves exploring nature made a remarkable discovery near the River Ogmore in Bridgend, Wales. While playing under the ‘Dipping Bridge’ near Merthyr Mawr village, she stumbled upon an endangered Mexican axolotl, nearly nine inches long. Her mother, Melanie Hill, expressed astonishment, calling the find “a shock, surprise and disbelief.”

“I went down to the bank and there was this axolotl there,” said Evie. “I caught it and brought it back.”

Evie, who has a knack for spotting wildlife, initially thought she had found something unusual but unexpected. The axolotl, named Dippy in honor of its discovery location, had visible injuries to its tail and stomach. The family decided to cut their holiday short to return the creature to their home in Leicester, where they’ve since dedicated time to studying how to care for it properly.

Experts highlight that this is the first confirmed wild axolotl sighting in the UK. Globally, only 50 to 1,000 of these amphibians remain, making the find exceptionally rare. Axolotls have become popular pets in recent years, especially after their inclusion in video games like Minecraft and Roblox, which has sparked interest among children.

Melanie admitted she was initially unprepared for the axolotl’s size, despite knowing it could grow up to 12 inches (30cm). She and her family have spent hours researching the creature’s needs to ensure its well-being. “We have no regrets about bringing it home,” she said.

“Everybody at school is fascinated about the story of Dippy,” Evie shared. “I think it’s really interesting.”

Dr. Ros Clubb from the RSPCA warned that the growing trend of axolotl ownership has raised concerns. Many people overlook the challenges of caring for these animals, which require specific environmental and dietary conditions. “Buying any animal should never be an impulse decision,” she said, noting that young axolotls and their eggs are frequently sold online.

Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, emphasized the uniqueness of Evie’s find. He stated that no axolotls had been recorded in the UK or worldwide, and Evie likely saved the creature’s life by discovering it. “That itself is no mean feat,” Newman added. “They’re quite slippery, so I think she did really well.” He praised the girl’s keen observation, calling it a “remarkable” act.