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[00:00.43] There are hundreds of thousands of Mexican axolotls in laboratories and home aquariums around the world, studied for their remarkable ability to regrow any lost limb.

[00:09.46] But in their native wetlands in Xochimilco in Mexico City, the population has been decimated by pollution and invasive species.

[00:16.63] Now, though, researchers who've bred axolotls in captivity have taken a major step towards bringing them back.

[00:22.48] The team released a small group at two sites in the city's wetland.

[00:25.66] They fitted the amphibians with radio trackers so they could follow their progress.

[00:29.38] All 18 animals have survived, and a few that were recaptured had gained weight, showing that despite being raised in tanks, they were now hunting.

[00:37.35] It's early days, but if the wild axolotl can be saved in a city of more than 20 million people, scientists say that will be a symbolic success story.