Editorial photo #7786320 Human Interest

Release Of Ajolotes In Xochimilco, Mexico City

Mayors of Xochimilco, José Carlos Acosta; Gustavo A. Madero, Francisco Chiguil; Iztacalco, Armando Quintero; Iztapalapa, Clara Brugada; and Tláhuac, Berenice Hernández, pose before the axolotls' iberation at the Centro Ecoturístico Chinampero Michmani Xochimilco, Mexico City. The Mexican axolotl or ajolote, Ambystoma mexicanum, is a salamander with the unusual characteristic of retaining its larval features as an adult. This condition, known as neoteny, means that it retains its tadpole-like dorsal fin - which runs almost the entire length of its body - and its external gills, which protrude from the back of its broad, feathery head. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto)