The Florida Aquarium Unveils New Costumed Character — And Wants the Community’s Help to Name Her!

The Florida Aquarium is excited to introduce its newest ambassador: a pink, wide-eyed axolotl straight from the heart of Mexico City! This lovable costumed character is ready to dive into her new life in Tampa, but there’s just one thing missing — a name.

The Aquarium is inviting the community to help name its newest resident by voting online. The final naming options were recommended by several local Hispanic leaders who were part of a special advisory committee. The names are inspired by her Mexican heritage and vibrant personality. The finalists are:

• Xochi (pronounced so-chee) – Short for Xochimilco (so-chee-meal-koh), one of only two lakes in Mexico City where axolotls are found in the wild. The name comes from the Aztec word xochitl, meaning “flower” or “princess of flowers,” and symbolizes beauty, growth, creativity, renewal, and new beginnings.
• Toci (pronounced toe-see) – Named after the Aztec goddess of renewal and healing, Toci means “our grandmother,” representing wisdom, protection, and nurturing strength.
• Izel (pronounced ee-sel)– An Aztec word meaning “only one” or “unique,” highlighting how truly special and rare axolotls are in the natural world.
• Write-in option – Voters also have the opportunity to suggest a name of their own.

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Voting is now open through August 1 on our website. The winning name will be revealed on Monday, August 4, and guests will soon be able to meet her in person at The Florida Aquarium!

Meet Our Mystery Axolotl
She’s four years old, full of energy, curiosity, and charm — and she’s ready to make waves in Tampa! Born in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, this lovable amphibian is proud of her Mexican roots. She came to The Florida Aquarium in search of new friends and instantly fell in love with the vibrant marine life and friendly humans she has met so far along the way.

Now a permanent resident, she’s excited to explore her new home, share her culture, and teach guests about the incredible world of axolotls. Covered in soft pink with feathery external gills, a beaming smile, and a tail made for swimming, she’s friendly, huggable, and impossible not to love.

She enjoys shrimp, singing along to “Pink” by Lizzo and “I Love Axolotls” by Thom Mesrobian, and spreading joy with her high-fives. More than just cute, she’s an ambassador for conservation, curiosity, and cultural pride.

Why It Matters
Axolotls are critically endangered amphibians native to just two lakes in Mexico City. Their natural habitat is shrinking fast, and invasive species are making survival even harder. With wild axolotl numbers dropping, they’re now dangerously close to extinction. But there’s something amazing about them: axolotls can regrow limbs, organs, and even parts of their heart and brain. That superpower has made them a big deal in the world of conservation and cutting-edge medical research, especially in areas like regenerative medicine.

“We’re thrilled to bring this new character to life as a fun, approachable way to connect families with the fascinating world of axolotls,” said Tony Rokita, senior vice president of community engagement & social responsibility at The Florida Aquarium. “She honors the species’ deep roots in Mexican culture while shining a light on the urgent need to protect them. By combining conservation and science through the power of play and storytelling, we hope to spark curiosity, celebrate heritage, and show how even the tiniest creatures can have a big impact on our world.”

The Aquarium’s special advisory committee, including Jose Guevara, Joe Zuniga, DJ Moyo, Rocio Smith and Lorena Romero Felix, helped brainstorm naming options that were both thoughtful and educational.

This playful new axolotl joins The Florida Aquarium’s costumed character family, alongside Tango the loggerhead sea turtle, introduced in 2015, and Rocky the African penguin, who has been a guest favorite since 2016. Together, these characters create engaging experiences that connect visitors with marine life, conservation efforts, and the Aquarium’s shared purpose to inspire stewardship of our oceans and wildlife.

For more information and to vote, visit our website and help give this adorable ambassador the perfect name.

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Contact The Florida Aquarium communications@flaquarium.org