Do you know what an axolotl is? Austin Sisco, executive director of Tullahoma’s Hands-on Science Center (HOSC), says adult visitors are often stumped when asked this question, but children are usually quick to answer and eager to share what they know. He says this is largely because Minecraft, the well-known open-world creative and survival video game, has introduced the alien-like amphibians to younger generations. The axolotl residing in the science center, however, is not your average salamander.
Riley is a pale, feathery-gilled aquatic salamander floating in a carefully chilled tank, blinking slowly at anyone who gets close enough to look. Children and adults alike find Riley irresistible. Sisco says axolotls are a unique species of salamander that, due to genetics, remain permanently in the larval stage of development and must stay in water, unlike most amphibians. Axolotls are native to a single lake system in Mexico, making them exceptionally rare. In the wild, they are critically endangered, but Sisco says they are thriving in captivity.
Because Riley has very poor eyesight, food must be placed directly in front of its mouth, at which point it clamps onto the feeding pipette and sometimes refuses to let go. This creates plenty of laughter and entertainment for guests lucky enough to be present during feeding time.
Tiffany Sebourn, who has been with the science center since Riley’s arrival, says the feeding reactions never get old.
“When we talk about axolotls, they’re like, ‘Oh, it’s all rainbows and sunshine.’ And we’re like, ‘That axolotl eats bloodworms,’” Sebourn said with a laugh. “You get a lot of ‘ew.’”
The sign near Riley’s tank reads, “Be kind to our animals and their home.” The special tank includes a precision cooling system that keeps Riley at 65 degrees year-round. It is an expensive but critical part of keeping the animal safe.
“This is Riley’s home, even though it’s not in the wild,” Sisco said.
Sisco says Riley will turn 1 sometime around January 2027, a milestone because axolotls cannot be reliably identified as male or female until they reach about 1 year old. He says he is very excited to announce that it looks like “It’s a boy!” At this stage, Sisco says there is an 85% chance that is the case. While the name Riley works for either gender, the axolotl is likely male and was named in honor of a very special baby boy. The story behind the name turned out to be especially meaningful.
When looking for a name for the new axolotl, the science center held a contest inviting schoolchildren to submit ideas. While there were many fun contenders — such as Bubbles, Axel Rose, and Frank — the winning entry came from Nolan Hice, a third-grader at Farrar Elementary, who submitted the name Riley in honor of his baby brother, who had passed away. The gesture of compassion and remembrance touched everyone involved.
“That was one name that stuck out,” Sisco said, “and it’s because it had a story behind it.”
Nolan’s class earned a free field trip to the science center, and HOSC marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting alongside the chamber of commerce. The event coincided with the 90th birthday of Bill Boss, a founding member of the Visiting Wizards, a group that entertains students with science shows. Since the celebrations overlapped, axolotl-themed cupcakes were served. Sisco says Boss continues to perform science shows for students at HOSC.
Sisco’s background in environmental biology, with a focus on fisheries, has been valuable in caring for an axolotl. He said he was excited and ready for the challenge of bringing the new animal to Tullahoma.
While the Hands-on Science Center offers many exhibits and hands-on learning stations, Riley has quickly become one of its most recognizable attractions, supported in part by community donations. Riley was purchased after an anonymous donor contributed $500 toward acquiring the axolotl.
Once the city saw how special Riley was, the mayor of Tullahoma issued a proclamation naming Riley the city’s official axolotl. Having Riley has drawn visitors in and opened the door to everything the science center offers.
“Our whole goal is to excite a new generation of scientists,” Sisco said.
Sisco focused efforts last year on updating paint and redesigning exhibits to create a more colorful, vibrant space for families. He says three new exhibits will be added by the end of the year, and encourages visitors to check the website for updates. GN
To find out more or plan your trip to visit Riley, visit www.hosc.org.
