Our early phase axolotl metabolic bone disease (MBD) project has received a $2,000 grant from the New England Herpetological Society, supporting careful, welfare centered research with several of the Cheese Babes already in our care.
Firefly axolotls aren’t a morph at all—they’re the result of post‑hatching surgical grafting, where part of one axolotl’s tail is cut off and attached to another to create a cosmetic pattern. This blog breaks down how the trend started, how the procedure works, and why it raises not only serious ethical, but also welfare concerns for the animals involved.
A clear, compassionate guide to Short Toe Syndrome in axolotls, covering causes, common signs (shortened toes, limb malformations, loss of limb regeneration), associated urogenital and renal problems, and rescue policies including non‑breeding recommendations and humane care options. The post emphasizes veterinary consultation, quality‑of‑life decisions, and how rescues handle intake and euthanasia when necessary