Axolotl biology specimin in bad shape. Help please.

[Sylerwin]

In a biology lab at my university I saw an axolotl and mudpuppy (in separate tanks) being kept on gravel. The axolotl was very skinny, and immediately began "chomping" at the glass when I approached, obviously hungry. I asked my instructor who is in charge of the husbandry of the specimens and he told me who to contact with my concerns. So I did. Here is my email and her response. I want to note that
1. She responded within about 20 minutes, suggesting she didn't bother to research gravel impaction
2. She couldn't even bother to get my name correct, which I posted twice in the email.

Me:
Hello,

*My name is [my name] and I am a student here at [my school]. I was obseving the aquariums in some of the labs and noticed that the axolotl and mudpuppy were being kept on gravel substrate. I am an axolotl owner and am familiar with the dangers of gravel impaction, which if ingested, can lead to their death. If you are willing to allow me, I am more than willing to purchase aquarium sand and do the substrate switch myself. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for reading,*

* *[My name]"

Here is her response:
"Hi Amanda - - thanks for your concern, offer and input regarding mudpuppies and axolotl’s.* We keep a gravel bottom because it is easier to clean and maintain than sand would be and have kept various specimens of these types for up to about 20 years in the past without problems.* We are not trying to raise any young in these tanks - - only housing adults.* Mudpuppies actually prefer a rocky or gravel bottom in a stream according to the Minnesota DNR.* Water quality seems to be the most important factor in keeping these animals alive and that is what we are trying to maintain.

*

Again let me reassure you that our animals have been maintained for a number of years in the past without problems and the ones we currently have are over 2 years in our current labs, so at this time we have no plans to change the substrate in their tanks.* It is great that you have your own axolotls - - I saw an add up for axolotls this summer- - so perhaps they were some of yours for sale!

Thanks,"

After she said that those specimens have been around for two years I was flabbergasted. It was quite small to be two. I assumed it was a juvie. I'm curious if anyone has input on how I can approach this issue respectfully. I don't want to push her too far, as I am still early in my education here and could very well end up with her as an instructor. I do not wish to ruin my reputation among other instructors either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Boomsloth]

Eh it's kind of tricky when dealing with professors that think that their position gives them the right to not do the proper research. Are your axolotls full grown? People like that often only learn from seeing what their mistake is. Showing her what a full grown axolotl is supposed to look like against what hers looks like as well as the risk of impaction might get her to change her mind. You could also tell her that sand is easier to clean but honestly it'd be better to just go bare bottom in a lab setting. I know all universities have to register any vertebrates they will be using for lab purposes otherwise they need to be declared as a "pet" don't be afraid for standing up for what you believe is right for the animals. Even if she ends up being your teacher hopefully taking out the gravel and being fed properly will show her the mistakes in husbandry


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cacique]

I agree with Boomsloth. Maybe a follow up e-mail where you could point out you believed they were juveniles because of their size and maybe send a few pictures comparing the sizes or something. I would also check your school for any groups that might deal with animals rights that could help out. Good luck!