A 10-year-old girl’s quick thinking led to the rescue of an injured axolotl from a river in South Wales last week. The amphibian, named “Dippy,” was discovered under the Dipping Bridge on the River Ogmore near Bridgend by Evie Hill and her family while they were on holiday.

Evie found the 22-centimeter axolotl—an aquatic salamander native to Mexico—hidden beneath a discarded mat in the river’s shallows. The creature displayed significant injuries to its tail and stomach, suspected to have been inflicted by a predator. Following its rescue, the family took Dippy home to Leicester, where it is now recovering in a fish tank. They are documenting its rehabilitation on TikTok, sparking questions about whether the animal had been abandoned by a previous owner.

Evie’s mother, Melanie, said her daughter frequently finds small creatures such as newts and insects, but the discovery of an axolotl was unexpected. The family sought expert guidance and were informed they could legally keep the animal as a pet.

Axolotls are known for their remarkable ability to regenerate lost tissue, including regrowing a new spinal cord along with a tail. In popular culture, the species has inspired characters such as Toothless the dragon in the 2010 film *How to Train Your Dragon* and Axo in the 2020 video game *Fortnite*. Despite their popularity, wild axolotls are native exclusively to Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City, where they are critically endangered.

Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said the amphibian likely had little chance of survival if not rescued. He praised Evie’s actions in securing the animal’s safety. He also advised that discoveries of uncommon creatures like Dippy should be reported through official channels.

Axolotls are considered relatively straightforward to care for as pets, provided that owners understand their needs. They require cool water temperatures between 16°C and 18°C to avoid stress and health complications, as well as specialized aquarium setups—including secure lids to prevent escapes. Despite their availability in the pet trade, releasing axolotls into the wild is illegal due to their non-native status and conservation concerns.

Reflecting on her rescue, Evie said she was initially met with disbelief by her mother when she spotted the creature in the water, but she returned to catch it despite the warning not to go back into the river. The family’s experience highlights both the unexpected encounters with wildlife during outdoor activities and the increasing popularity of species like axolotls, fueled by social media and gaming platforms.