Managed Care of Naked Mole-Rats

Abstract

Naked mole-rats are a burgeoning model species in the field of biomedical research and are also housed at many zoos throughout the world. These mammals possess many traits that have a large impact on the way that they are kept in captivity such as their eusociality, thermolability and lack of need for drinking water. This chapter outlines the captive care and unusual housing needs of these animals. Providing information and examples from our own experiences while working with naked mole-rats for many decades. While this chapter serves as a good framework for the captive care of this mammal species, it is in no way all-encompassing but simply reflects the way in which we have managed over many years to successfully sustain our colony of thousands of animals.