Our naked mole-rat colony is one of the most popular Life Science exhibits at Pacific Science Center. And why not? They’re curious looking, they display humorous behavior, and they never fail to evoke a response – positive or negative – from visitors. Now this east African subterranean species of rodent is in the news!
An Associated Press article reports that University of Texas, San Antonio’s Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies is studying naked mole-rats. Scientists are hoping that these little guys can unlock the secrets to aging, strokes and even cancer. At least six other universities are also investigating why naked mole rats live so long, can withstand oxygen deprivation for long periods of time, and maybe even resist pain.
The Life Sciences team has long been aware of the longevity of naked mole rats. Our colony is over 16 years old. Some of the original members may still be a part of the colony today! With some recent changes in husbandry protocols we have a new generation of pups to observe.
Staff at Pacific Science Center cannot confirm that naked mole-rats do not feel pain, nor that they can survive in oxygen starved conditions. “I believe those findings, but I’d rather err on the side of caution with our colony” says Sarah Moore, Life Sciences Manager. “When we have given them injections as part of a treatment plan, the animals appear to feel something. They learn to avoid us if they know we are doing something unpleasant – whether they are expecting pain or just not wanting to be handled, they are certainly not happy about it. On the other hand, they anticipate feedings with excitement. So when you hear that they do not experience pain the same way as other mammals – they still have things they do and don’t like, and we try to make their (exceptionally long) lives enjoyable.”
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