It’s the first time in the zoo’s history that the species will be featured at the zoo.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Zoo announced it’s welcoming a new colony of naked mole rats, marking the first time the species has been featured at the zoo.
The rodents arrived in early September and spent the past month adjusting to their new environment, the zoo said. The colony of naked mole rats is now on display inside the reptile house.
According to the zoo, naked mole rats are nearly hairless, subterranean rodents typically found in parts of East Africa. They have no ears and are nearly blind due to the size of their eyes. The zoo said the rodents rely on their sense of smell, ground vibrations and air currents to navigate.
Naked mole rats are the longest-living rodents, with a life expectancy of up to 37 years.
On Saturday, the zoo is celebrating its new creatures with Naked Mole Rat Day, featuring educational interactive activities for kids and trading cards. The family-friendly event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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