Naked Mole Rat Queen Gives Birth
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Unique monarch is first-time mom
Zoo Atlanta’s naked mole rat queen has given birth to her first litter of pups. The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams discovered at least six newborn members of the Zoo’s strangest animal society on May 19.
Hairless, sightless and roughly an inch long, the new arrivals are estimated to weigh between 1 and 2 grams. The pups have already been observed crawling over a tight formation of adult colony members, who remain huddled in the nest for the infants’ warmth and protection.
The queen may nurse her offspring for up to 2 months, but the entire colony is tasked with their care. Workers are also responsible for the transport of the pups in the event that the queen selects a new nesting area. The pups’ eyes should open at 20 to 30 days, at which time the juveniles may also start eating solid foods.
To avoid disrupting the colony, the Animal Management and Veterinary Teams will wait days before resuming any maintenance activities that could disturb the queen or her pups. Fortunately, there’s no wait for curious guests!
Visitors can see the Zoo’s unusual underground family and their exciting additions in their habitat daily.
