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Naked Mole Rat

(Heterocephalus glaber)

Seneca Park Zoo is home to two colonies of naked mole rats. Their habitat is located inside the new Animals of the Savanna building.

Animal Facts

A common alternative name for the naked mole rat is “sand puppy”.
Naked mole rats are one of two mammal species that are eusocial, living in colonies much like bees and ants, with one queen. The queen must earn the position, and becomes the only breeding female in the colony.
Naked mole rats have adaptations to resist aging and cancer. They are being studied by scientists to see if these adaptations can be applied to save human lives.

Diet

As herbivores, naked mole rats primarily feed on tubers.

Status in The Wild

  • Least Concern

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

Naked mole rats are found in the grasslands of Somalia, central Ethiopia, and northern and eastern Kenya. They dig underground tunnels and can survive with minimal oxygen.

This species occurs in many protected areas throughout their natural range, and has a well-established breeding population in conservation care.

Learn About Our Conservation Efforts
Naked Mole Rat Range

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2222 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14621

  • Phone: 585.336.7200
  • Fax: 585.342.1477

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