Children are pestering parents to get them axolotls for Christmas after a craze for the exotic amphibians as pets was sparked by virtual creatures on the Minecraft video game.
But the RSPCA, which says there was a ‘growing interest’ in purchasing the endangered animals as pets, is warning parents to resist their childrens’ pleas as the animals will prove tricky to look after properly.
The charity is urging prospective owners of the exotic amphibians, which are native to Mexico, that they have ‘complex needs’ and providing appropriate care for them in a domestic environment will likely prove challenging.
Online forum Mumsnet has been inundated with discussions about pre-teens who want the pets – or axolotl-themed goodies – as a gift this winter, with parents revealing how their children have gone ‘mad’ for the animals.
Their popularity, the RSPCA says, is in part due to their addition in June this year to the hugely successful computer game Minecraft, which has 140 million active players worldwide and lets players create structures from raw materials and interact with animals – such as axolotls – in an open environment with their friends.
Axolotls’ position as a fan favourite is also evident from their frequent appearances in popular Minecraft players’ YouTube videos, with some raking in millions of views.
But the RSPCA is now warning parents against getting a pet axolotl – or any other exotic pet – as a present this Christmas, saying they are ‘not easy to care for once the novelty wears off’.
The RSPCA is urging prospective owners of axolotls, which are native to Mexico, that they have ‘complex needs’ and providing appropriate care for them in a domestic environment will likely prove challenging
Parenting forum Mumsnet has been inundated with discussions about pre-teens who want the pets – or axolotl-themed goodies – as a gift this winter
The charity wrote in a statement: ‘Unfortunately many people are unaware of how much of a commitment axolotls and other exotic pets are when they take them on.
‘We believe that the decision to acquire one should not be taken lightly as impulse-buying risks animals suffering as people may not fully understand what is needed to care for them properly.’
One YouTube video from user ‘OMGcraft – Minecraft Tips & Tutorials’, which teaches viewers how to get a pet axolotl in the game, has more than 1.3million views.
Another video from user ‘GeorgeNotFound’, titled ‘Minecraft, But My Friend Is An Axolotl’, has more than 20million views.
In one Mumsnet thread revealing what 10-year-olds were asking for this Christmas, parents said they had been pestered to get axolotls as pets.
One user wrote: ‘My (dear daughter), 11, has been pestering me for an Axolotl.’
Another said: ‘My 10-year-old niece is desperate for an axolotl too. Must be the current thing.’
A third wrote: ‘I have two obsessed with Minecraft who want an axolotl too.’
RSPCA Senior scientific manager Dr Ros Clubb said: ‘Looking after exotic pets is very challenging as they have the same environmental, diet and behavioural requirements as their relatives in the wild.
‘We’re particularly concerned when new pet trends such as axolotls emerge as exotic pets often end up in our care later down the line when people realise they’re not easy to care for, or once the novelty wears off.
‘Playing with an axolotl in Minecraft is one thing, but taking on the care of a real live axolotl is a whole different matter. These amphibians need care and attention for their entire lives, which can be 15 years – long after the kids may have flown the nest.’
Dr Clubb added: ‘As well as investing in the correct set-up, including a large tank with good water filtration and heating, they need regular water changes, veterinary care if they become ill and someone to care for them during holidays and other times away. It’s a big commitment. They also shouldn’t be handled, so will kids still be interested months or years down the line?’
The RSPCA warns that the ‘axolotl/Minecraft phenomenon’ threatens to have similar consequences as previous media-related trends.
The animal’s popularity within the game, which has 140 million active players worldwide, is evident from their frequent appearances in popular Minecraft players’ YouTube videos, with some raking in millions of views
‘For example, following the release of the Compare the Market advert in 2009, calls about meerkats to our cruelty and advice line rose by 184% the following year,’ the charity said.
‘Similarly, there was an upsurge in the trade in terrapins following the release of the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and increases have been recorded in the trade in iguanas following the release of Jurassic Park and in clownfish after the Finding Nemo film was released.
‘The axolotl phenomenon underscores some of the issues highlighted in a recent report into exotic pets published jointly by us and Born Free, which says current laws are inadequate and need an urgent overhaul.’
Dr Clubb added: ‘Exotic pets should never be an impulse buy. Potential owners need to make sure they can give their animal the environment it needs and that they have the facilities, time, financial means and long-term commitment to maintain a good standard of care.’
She continued: ‘We encourage potential owners to read books written by experts on the particular species they wish to keep and to join member societies where there are experienced keepers who can help if they are struggling. Specialist vets are also an excellent source of support and advice for owners.’
