🐟 Maddie’s Healing Journey: A Story of Hope and Resilience
When Maddie first arrived at Libertyland Axolotl Rescue, she was in critical condition. A large swelling near her hind limb signaled an urgent need for intervention. Her eyes were alert, but her body was struggling — and we knew she deserved a chance.
Thanks to your support, Maddie underwent a delicate surgery. Her healing is still in progress, but today, we’re sharing her story — not as a finished chapter, but as a testament to resilience.
5 Days Before Surgery
Maddie’s condition was worsening — the tissue swelling near her hind limb signaled that urgent intervention was needed. Maddie was transported by her foster mom Sophia—a vet tech—directly to Libertyland Board member and exotic vet Dr. Stella Sheputa for x-rays and evaluation. Our team suspected that Maddie had ingested something that she was unable to pass, and that the foreign object or objects caused the prolapse (pictured above).
Day of Surgery
Following Maddie’s initial x-rays and evaluation, Dr. Stella confirmed our suspicion: Maddie was impacted with two foreign objects, and they were too large for her to pass naturally. Surgical intervention would be needed.
Once the diagnosis was clear, Dr. Stella performed the delicate surgical procedure required to remove the stones, ultimately giving Maddie her best chance at recovery.
10–16 Days Post-Surgery
The first two weeks were critical. Maddie’s incision site showed signs of bruising and inflammation, but her sutures held. We monitored her closely for infection, tissue rejection, and behavioral changes. She began showing small signs of progress — brief swims, interest in food, and moments of calm. These were hard-won victories.
34–40 Days Post-Surgery
Maddie’s gills began to regain their color, and her posture improved. She began exploring her tub more often, resting near enrichment items and occasionally greeting caretakers. Her incision site showed signs of healthy tissue regrowth, though some swelling persisted. We adjusted her environment to support mobility and reduce stress.
42 Days Post-Surgery
Maddie is still healing. Her prognosis is hopeful, but she remains under close observation. Her appetite is inconsistent, and her energy fluctuates — but she’s fighting. Every day she shows us what resilience looks like. We continue to monitor her gill function, tissue integrity, and behavior, adapting her care as needed.
💬 What Maddie’s Story Teaches Us
Recovery isn’t linear. Maddie’s journey is filled with small victories and ongoing challenges. She reminds us that healing takes time — and that every act of compassion matters.
Your donations helped fund her surgery, her post-op care, and the enriched environment she now lives in. They also ensure that the next axolotl in crisis gets the same chance.
🫶 Help Maddie Keep Healing
Maddie’s story isn’t over — and she still needs your support. Every gift helps us provide medical care, safe housing, and the time it takes for healing to unfold.
👉 Support Maddie’s Recovery → Donate now
