The popularity of axolotl plushies is relative to marketing and media. The original fascination with axolotls goes back to generations when the scientific community discovered that this salamander species was not only neotenic (does not transform into an adult as it grows) but could also regenerate organs and limbs, brain, and heart! This was a huge focus of science as studies skyrocketed on how humans could acquire regenerating abilities. Today, the axolotl species is almost extinct in its natural Mexican habitat, but there are hundreds of thousands of them in science labs and pet stores worldwide due to much breeding in captivity. The video game Minecraft showcased axolotls as a game character which increased the public's awareness of the amphibian, and Squishmallow brand plushies has dozens of axolotl versions with their own personality.