The Whitesboro Public Library welcomed a new addition last week, a three-year-old female Axanthic axolotl that will live permanently at the library in a 40-gallon tank.
The axolotl (which is a species of salamander) is a type of amphibian native only to Mexico City’s Lake Xochimilco.
The Axanthic axolotl is a color morph of the animal that lacks the pigment cells responsible for producing yellow pigments, resulting in her lavender coloration.
The library’s axolotl previously belonged to a local who was moving away to college and lovingly donated the critter for the benefit of the community.
“We’re really excited about it!” Library Director Christine Swiler said. “We’ve ordered some new books about axolotls for the library so we can all learn more about her together.”
To get the community even more excited about this fun new addition, the library is holding a naming contest for their new friend.
Library visitors are encouraged to fill out name ideas and drop them in a suggestion box at the library front desk. They only ask that the name have a library or book theme.
Suggestions are due by the end of June. Voting will take place next month and the top three vote-getters will earn a prize.
In the meantime, everyone is welcome to come and pay a visit to the new library pet that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
