This is a translation from the original Axolotarium article
Axolotarium is a specialized center for conservation, reproduction, and scientific research of the Mexican axolotl, while Zenbit is a company focused on developing onchain technologies and implementing decentralized governance systems. Although their institutional lines of action are distinct —one centered on biodiversity and the other on technological infrastructure— both organizations have developed a strategic collaboration since mid-2024, aimed at integrating decentralized technologies into biological conservation projects, initiating an incubation process to transform Axolotarium into a microDAO with operational and governance capabilities. The alliance emerges within the framework of the pilot microDAO Incubation program promoted by Zenbit Badges, a platform developed by Zenbit for onchain certification specialized in scientific research and technological development through Web3 tools.
In one of the first joint actions, Axolotarium published its inaugural article on Mirror: "Axolotarium: Axolotls, science and blockchain”, an official presentation of their vision, institutional alliances, and commitment to decentralization as an operational model. Following this publication, the team obtained their first three Zenbit Badges: the first for completing the Introduction to Onchain Tools, the second for the formal creation of their microDAO, and the third for their participation in outreach through the Mirror article.
Thanks to specialized advisory from Zenbit, including technical, methodological, and operational guidance, Axolotarium has not only strengthened its digital and operational capabilities but has also established a sustainability model based on autonomous income, DAO management, and onchain funding.
This strategic alliance demonstrates how the integration of decentralized technologies, not only in conservation projects but into a wide range of initiatives, enables the articulation of sustainable, measurable, and scalable models, where citizen science is enhanced through Web3 tools.
This report details the core components of the collaboration, including the context and motivations that support axolotl conservation, Axolotarium's incubation process as a microDAO, advances in digital infrastructure implementation, and the development of their operational goals for 2025.
The axolotl has been a fundamental part of the Mexican collective imagination since pre-Hispanic times. In Mexica mythology, it is linked to Xólotl, god of the underworld and symbol of sacrifice. Its Nahuatl name, axolotl, can be translated as "water monster" or "water game," reflecting its ethereal and enigmatic nature. Beyond myth, this animal has also been used in traditional Mexican medicine for its presumed healing properties, especially in treating respiratory diseases.
This cultural dimension not only enriches the symbolic value of the axolotl, but also connects ancestral knowledge with contemporary science and strengthens a legacy that transcends generations. At Zenbit, we consider that preserving the axolotl is also preserving an invaluable part of Mexico's cultural, symbolic, and therapeutic heritage.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the axolotl —and a major reason why the international scientific community has focused its attention on this species— is its ability to regenerate functional limbs, organs, and tissues. As described in Axolotarium's article, this regeneration process—epimorphosis—not only allows the axolotl to survive serious injuries but also opens the door to revolutionary medical advances.
When an axolotl loses a limb, it begins a regeneration process called epimorphosis. First, a protective layer of cells called epithelium forms to prevent infections. Then the blastema appears, a group of specialized cells capable of dividing and transforming into any type of tissue. Finally, genetic signals organize these cells to fully reconstruct the lost structure.
At Axolotarium, this phenomenon is frequently observed, especially in juveniles that suffer minor injuries during feeding. This controlled environment offers a unique opportunity to observe and document the regenerative process, which has proven to be functional and complete: bones, muscles, nerves, and organs can be reconstructed without scarring.
65.6% of the axolotl genome consists of repetitive sequences, a technical challenge that could contain the fundamental clues to human regenerative medicine. At Zenbit, we consider that supporting this line of research also means investing in cutting-edge solutions in neurology, cardiology, and degenerative diseases.
Despite its biological, cultural, and scientific value, the axolotl is on the brink of extinction. Axolotarium's article makes it clear: less than 1% of its natural habitat remains, and it is estimated that there are fewer than 1,000 specimens in the wild. The causes are multiple: urbanization, contamination, invasive species, climate change, unregulated tourism, and infectious diseases such as the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Furthermore, the axolotl is an indicator species: its disappearance would also be a critical warning about the health status of the Xochimilco ecosystem. Therefore, conserving the axolotl is not only protecting a species but preserving a natural environment that sustains biodiversity and ecological balance in the Valley of Mexico.
Faced with this crisis scenario, specialized centers like Axolotarium play a crucial role in species conservation. The simulated habitat of the axolotls is meticulously maintained, recreating ideal conditions for their well-being: spacious areas, shallow depth, cold and well-oxygenated water, dim lighting, and advanced filtration systems.
Each specimen has its own space, specialized feeding, and veterinary care. These conditions not only guarantee their survival but allow precise observation of their behavior, regenerative response, and development over time.
Zenbit's pilot microDAO incubation program emerges as a response to the critical importance of the early stages in the life of any project, company, or scientific initiative. These early phases, although decisive, are usually marked by a high abandonment rate due to lack of organizational structure, clear governance, and financial sustainability. Aware of this challenge, at Zenbit we have developed an accompaniment model that supports both emerging organizations and individuals or teams seeking to incubate technological, social, or scientific projects under a decentralized logic.
Through a guided process, each initiative is supported in six key milestones:
microDAO Creation: Integration of a shared account (safe multichain) with an onchain domain (Ethereum Name Service) as a minimum viable version of a microDAO.
DAO Presentation: Formal dissemination of the initiative and its value proposition to the community.
Operational Goal: Formulation of a concrete goal that justifies the microDAO's operation and links its activities with expected results.
Treasury Management: Design of a financial model that guarantees transparency, traceability, and operational sustainability through onchain tools and decentralized finance protocols.
Onchain Implementation: Integration of public onchain records derived from the project's daily operation to offer verifiable, transparent, and public data that provide certainty to project stakeholders.
Onchain Funding: Access to cryptocurrency resources through decentralized funding mechanisms.
This process is supported by Zenbit Badges, an onchain certification system that allows public validation of compliance with each milestone. Incubated microDAOs evolve transparently, recording their advances onchain and operating with decentralized infrastructure from the start.
After completing the first two stages of the incubation process with Axolotarium, we began a closer collaboration at the site, where our collaborator Maggie accompanied Axolotarium's director, Fernanda, during the first semester of 2025. During this period, operational processes were restructured to provide greater clarity and certainty about the population, financial sustainability, and organizational structure.
This joint work allowed the consolidation of an evidence-based management system, reflected in the precise characterization of the center's inhabitants, the definition of a realistic and verifiable operational goal, and the implementation of more efficient administrative procedures.
Thanks to this synergy, a more robust and transparent operation model was consolidated, laying the foundations for decentralized management through a microDAO. As a result of this restructuring, Axolotarium managed to advance with greater solidity in formulating its operational goal, developing clear strategies for biological traceability, financial strengthening, and technical decision-making based on operational data.
The current axolotl population at Axolotarium consists of a diverse community that reflects the success of measures implemented for their well-being and conservation. The center houses three main phenotypes: golden albino, leucistic, and nominal (brown), distributed among different developmental stages.
The population structure includes six adult specimens—Mango, Vainilla, Fresita, Iztaccihuatl, Crepita, and Manotas—who form the reproductive base; thirty-five juveniles born in 2024, among which are Tintín, Limón, Astro, Xoli, Scarface, and Godzilla; and 190 surviving offspring from the reproductive cycle of the first quarter of 2025.
Although these offspring were segmented from the first weeks post-hatching, individual differences in growth are evident, requiring constant adjustments in their management. To ensure monitoring and differentiated attention for each cohort, a stage-based segmentation system was established based on observable biological characteristics such as body size, coloration, and feeding behavior. Additionally, improvements were made to the center's infrastructure, including filtration and oxygenation systems and more frequent scheduling for water changes.
For advances in research and conservation to be sustainable, it is fundamental to guarantee the continuous operation of Axolotarium. This center not only protects an endangered species but also represents a unique opportunity to drive research that could change how we understand and treat human injuries.
Axolotarium's operation requires covering essential operational costs, such as feeding the axolotls, specialized veterinary care, and maintenance of its facilities, designed to replicate their natural habitat. Additionally, the center constantly works on scientific dissemination and creating strategic collaborations to expand the impact of its work.
With a view to improving its operational and financial efficiency, Axolotarium restructured its cost system, achieving clear definition of its expense categories: infrastructure, fixed costs, and variable costs, each with its adjustments, learnings, and new projections.
The operational goal for 2025 amounts to approximately $5,000 USD ($110,869.16 MXN), a carefully calculated budget that includes the following components:
$1,065.19 USD ($19,919.20 MXN) - 18% of total:
Includes a contingency fund of $399 USD ($7,469.70 MXN) intended to cover emergencies or failures without compromising general operation, and a necessary expansion of $665 USD ($12,449.50 MXN) to acquire new tanks and additional filtration systems that accommodate population growth derived from the December reproductive cycle.
$874 USD ($16,355.16 MXN) - 15% of total:
Covers logistics expenses $513 USD ($9,600.00 MXN) for transportation and supply acquisition, and legal procedures $361.23 USD ($6,755.16 MXN) necessary to maintain required registrations with IMPI, SEMARNAT, and INDAUTOR, guaranteeing the center's legal operation.
$3,987.42 USD ($74,594.80 MXN) - 67% of total:
This category represents the largest part of the budget and is divided into food $2,609.65 USD ($48,800.00 MXN - 44.02% of total) to cover the specific nutritional needs of each developmental stage, medications $256.68 USD ($4,800.00 MXN - 4.33% of total) for prevention and treatment of common conditions, basic supplies $192.51 USD ($3,600.00 MXN - 3.25% of total) for daily maintenance materials, and services such as water and electricity $930.20 USD ($17,394.80 MXN - 15.69% of total).
Since January 2025, Axolotarium's administration has consolidated significant advances in population management, operational strengthening, biological traceability, and construction of an evidence-based governance model. During the first quarter of the year, key progress was achieved in reproduction strategies, population management, infrastructure improvement, and technical governance.
The center's operation has been led by a multidisciplinary team, coordinated by Fernanda Beltrán and Tania Gómez from the General Direction, with institutional and strategic accompaniment from Zenbit. All this work has been possible thanks to the commitment of more than 40 volunteers and scholarship recipients who actively collaborate in the project's different areas, with continuous support from Zenbit as a strategic ally.
One of the most important milestones has been the successful management of the reproductive cycle recorded during the first quarter of 2025. Faced with this demographic explosion, effective population control measures were implemented, including:
Segmentation by developmental stages, based on physiological variables such as body size, coloration, and feeding behavior.
Symbolic coding of tanks, which facilitates technical and volunteer work.
Strategic redistribution of specimens, considering density per water volume.
These actions have made it possible to guarantee the individual well-being of each axolotl, reduce intraspecific stress, and optimize available operational resources.
Likewise, the center's infrastructure was strengthened through improvements in filtration and oxygenation systems and increased frequency of water changes, in response to operational pressure generated by the new cohort. In parallel, a photographic documentation system was developed that constitutes a living database for monitoring growth, phenotypic differentiation, and evolution of each specimen.
In terms of governance, a technical decision-making model based on biological and operational data was consolidated. Multivariable tools and analysis of births per tank were incorporated, allowing anticipation of infrastructure, feeding, and differentiated attention needs. This structure facilitates individual traceability of each axolotl from birth and lays the foundations for future adoption, reintroduction, scientific research, and environmental education processes.
Axolotarium not only has the mission of preserving the axolotl; it also seeks to be a bridge between environmental conservation and medical advances that could benefit millions of people. Your support not only guarantees the survival of this iconic species but allows research on tissue regeneration to continue advancing toward a future where healing complex wounds is possible.
Each contribution, however small it may seem, translates into tangible and lasting impact.
To ensure the sustainability of our efforts, we launch an innovative sponsorship campaign with two modalities:
Directed at those who want to support the project from anywhere in the world. Each Axolocard is a unique NFT with collectible design and contributes directly to Axolotarium 2025 operational goal. Funds are deposited directly to Axolotarium.eth address.
Cost: 0.01 ETH
Limited collection: 6 unique cards
Available until: September 30
Benefits: Direct impact on conservation, access to special content, and your name on the digital allies mural
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/2
Sex: FemaleAge: 4 yearsPhenotype: Nominal (Brown)
Personality: Iztaccihuatl or Izta for friends, is the wisest and calmest of our axolotls, and her sweet "smile" seems to invite everyone to meet her. She's a glutton at heart and, although she's not as active due to her age, she remains one of the most beloved by the team and is always ready for a moment of affection with her caregivers.
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/0
Sex: FemaleAge: 3.5 yearsPhenotype: Leucistic
Manotas, our "mama" axolotl, has raised several litters and takes care of her little corner in the aquarium. Physically large and strong, she has a shy and protective character. She loves enjoying her favorite tilapia and floating peacefully after a good meal, showing her most relaxed side. Manotas is not only a dedicated and resilient mother but also a symbol of the spirit of care and protection that defines Axolotarium.
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/1
Sex: MaleAge: 3.5 yearsPhenotype: Leucistic
Crepita is the protective dad of the group, always making sure the youngest eat before he does. With infinite patience and paternal affection, he ensures his family is well and comfortable. His caregivers describe him as a young and loving dad, always concerned about the well-being of his little ones.
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/3
Sex: FemaleAge: 2 yearsPhenotype: Golden Albino
Mango, with her brilliant golden albino color, is one of Axolotarium's most admired axolotls. Her curious and playful personality makes her stand out: she's more active and extroverted than her sister Vainilla, as well as being healthier and considerably larger. Always ready to socialize, Mango is Manotas' inseparable friend and especially enjoys fresh fish.
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/4
Sex: FemaleAge: 1.5 yearsPhenotype: Brown
Godzilla is pure love... and pure appetite! She was the one who grew fastest among her siblings, and it's no surprise: as soon as someone approaches with pellets or worms, she's already in the front row moving her gills with excitement. She loves hiding in her little cave, but if she sees bubbles in the water, she comes out to chase them as if they were her favorite toy. She's a curious little axolotl who loves having fun.
https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0xD039998721df29A20217d076c8B837a9Fc67fDc8/5
Sex: MaleAge: 1.5 yearsPhenotype: Leucistic
Since he was a baby, Tintín has been inseparable from his caregiver Nicole. He recognizes her as soon as she appears at the laboratory and swims excitedly to greet her and ask for food. He's so smart he even seems to understand what they tell him. Among all his siblings, he's the most observant, curious, and sociable. The cutest thing is that sometimes he stays with Nicole while listening to music... his favorite: Pink Floyd. A little axolotl with very good taste!
Contribute to the care of the 24 axolotls in the special physical sponsorship program.
For a monthly fee of $480 MXN, you will receive:
A personalized digital certificate
Monthly photos and videos of your axolotl
The opportunity to choose its name (if it doesn't have one yet)
A guided visit to meet it in person
Additionally, an Axolocard will be generated in its honor
Help conserve this unique species!
Write to the Axolotarium team for more information or to start the sponsorship process. (Only available in México with transfer in pesos via SPEI)
As part of the closing of this first incubation phase, Zenbit and Axolotarium are currently working on formalizing a collaboration agreement that will allow for the continuity of the progress made and the implementation of the three remaining milestones of the program: treasury management, on-chain implementation, and decentralized financing. These objectives are scheduled to be developed during the second half of 2025, thus consolidating a decentralized, sustainable, and replicable operating model for biological conservation centers.
From Zenbit, we extend an open invitation to organizations, academic institutions, scientific communities, and actors in the Web3 ecosystem to join this cause. Supporting the conservation of the axolotl through Axolotarium, as well as other centers dedicated to preserving endemic species, is also a bet on a future where biodiversity, open science, and decentralized technology are articulated to generate real and measurable impact. We firmly believe that the microDAO model can serve as an effective vehicle for scientific projects, conservation initiatives, and early-stage university ventures that have not yet consolidated their business model, but that have a clear vision and a genuine commitment to solving urgent challenges.
We invite these initiatives to explore the possibilities offered by on-chain technologies: from operational traceability and participatory governance to access to decentralized funding and global visibility. At Zenbit, we are committed to accompanying these processes and facilitating the adoption of digital infrastructures that allow more projects to prosper under principles of transparency, autonomy, and sustainability. The axolotl, a symbol of resilience and regeneration, inspires us to imagine and build together more just, collaborative, and decentralized ecosystems.