355: Axolotl w/ Marco Wendt!

Ellen Weatherford (0:00)

Hey there, friends, and welcome to episode 355 of Just the Zoo of Us. This week, I'm joined by a wildlife ambassador and returning guest to shine a spotlight on the world's most famous amphibian, from Mesoamerican legend to medical research labs to the lush caves of Minecraft. Axolotls have inspired stories and innovation and wonder in humans all over the world, but their story starts in the heart of Mexico, which is why our guest has chosen them as the frilly little faces of this episode in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. We discussed the Axolotl's indigenous name and its roots in a mythological prop hunt, some possible designs for custom skins, what human metamorphosis might look like, setting your future reincarnations up for success, and so much more. Just the Zoo of Us presents The Axolotl with Marco Wendt.

Can you hear that sound?

Marco Wendt (1:28)

I did hear it. I heard it.

I mean, we can make reference to it if you like.

Ellen Weatherford (1:33)

There's simply nothing we can't.

Marco Wendt (1:34)

It sounds like a leaf blower.

Ellen Weatherford (1:35)

I'm reporting live from the annual leaf blower convention that is happening directly outside my window.

Marco Wendt (1:41)

They must be having an intimecula where I live because that's a common sound in that ecosystem.

Ellen Weatherford (1:46)

Believe it or not, worldwide lawnmower convention happening today. It was so nice of them to schedule that for the exact time we were recording.

Marco Wendt (1:54)

I love it. Human culture. What can you say?

Ellen Weatherford (1:56)

It's the beautiful. It's the sounds of civilization. Hi, everybody. This is Ellen Weatherford with Just the Zoo of Us, your favorite animal review podcast. I'm so excited to have back a returning friend of the podcast. We have once again, Marco Wendt. Say hi, Marco.

Marco Wendt (2:16)

Hello, everyone. Thank you for having me back, Amiga. I'm super stoked.

Ellen Weatherford (2:19)

Thank you so much for coming back. I'm talking to you. I love hearing from you. I love seeing your videos on social media. Love hearing your voice in any capacity. And for people who maybe missed our previous episode together, where you joined me to talk about cassowaries, Marco, you're coming to us from San Diego Zoo.

Marco Wendt (2:36)

I love me some San Diego. I'm actually in our office building at the moment, but it's still breathtaking. It's still dynamic, friend. I am very close to San Diego Zoo right now. And of course, our Safari Park. But I'm really excited to talk about this animal for today, too.

Ellen Weatherford (2:50)

Can I say also an update since the last episode that we did together? I've now been to the San Diego Zoo and I saw you at the Wildlife Park.

Marco Wendt (3:00)

Right. It was Safari Park for Elephant Valley, right?

Ellen Weatherford (3:04)

Yeah.

Marco Wendt (3:04)

Oh, man. What? In case your listeners don't know, we have a new habitat, Safari Park. Elephant Valley opened up this year. It is incredible. The joke is you can... Did you smell the elephants?

You could literally smell them, you know?

Ellen Weatherford (3:18)

So many cool things about that exhibit, but also I got to say having you there to tell us about the interesting plants that they used and all the cool things about building the exhibit and stuff was a real treat.

Marco Wendt (3:28)

Oh, thank you.

Ellen Weatherford (3:29)

Can I tell you, though, my favorite part of the Safari Park, just to be a little off topic for just a couple of minutes?

Marco Wendt (3:33)

Oh, I love off topic. Tell me, tell me.

Ellen Weatherford (3:35)

The big pull for me was the platypus. Seeing the platypus was huge for me.

That was huge for me.

Marco Wendt (3:41)

Can I ask you, what d'you think about the size? The size?

Ellen Weatherford (3:44)

Smaller than I thought.

SPEAKER_3 (3:45)

That's what most people are thinking. Smaller than I thought.

Marco Wendt (3:48)

Everyone thinks bigger, like beaver.

Ellen Weatherford (3:50)

Yeah, if you've never seen one before, you think beaver, but then you actually see one. And I think that's because Perry the platypus has a beaver tail. You're right. Oh, you're right. Maybe there's some skewed perception of overlap. Platypus is not really that beaver-like.

Marco Wendt (4:04)

You know, we have all these side stories, but I toured Dan Pavanmai, the creator of Phineas and Ferb, too. Really? Yeah, to that habitat. A friend, I wore a platypus suit.

Cosplaying. Oh, my God.

It was such a great moment. But honestly, the best of that whole experience for me was watching him see a platypus for the first time. He had never seen one before, and it was a quiet moment. He got a little emotional, rightly so. But that's what I love about nature, right? It doesn't matter who you are as a human being. Nature just connects with everyone, and that was such a beautiful moment. I'm glad you had that moment too.