Editorial photo #7786344 Human Interest

Release Of Ajolotes In Xochimilco, Mexico City

From left to right, Mayor of Milpa Alta, Judith Vanegas; Tláhuac, Berenice Hernández, and Iztapalapa, Clara Brugada; during the release of salamanders 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)