Let me introduce Jeff the axolotl

Working again today - early morning phone call, teacher supposed to fly in from Sydney, but flight diverted to Auckland!

In the classroom there's a tank and in it there's the axolotl - and his name is Jeff.

No one could tell me why he's called Jeff, he just is according to the 6 year olds.

Axolotls don't undergo metamorphosis and therefore keep their gills and live in water. They are highly endangered in the wild in Mexico, due to predation by introduced fish, and destruction and pollution of habitat.

They are much studied by scientists for their ability to regenerate limbs.

Also called Mexican salamanders.