Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Acacia rats have appeared in the "Night World" pavilion on the old grounds of the Moscow Zoo. These animals were previously seen at the zoo over 10 years ago, when they lived alongside elephant shrews.
"Acacia rats are social animals; they live in groups. The exhibit houses 15 individuals: a parent pair and their young. They form a close-knit family—they spend time together in nests they build in trees. The exhibit enclosure features hanging houses, artificial and natural tree trunks for climbing, and several feeding stations located throughout the enclosure. At the Moscow Zoo, the acacia rats' diet includes a variety of grains, as well as fruits such as bananas, oranges, and kiwis," explained Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Acacia rats are nocturnal animals. To allow zoo visitors to observe their behavior during opening hours, special lighting is installed in their enclosures to mimic moonlight. This does not disturb the animals and allows them to remain awake comfortably. After the zoo closes, the lighting gradually reverses, turning on soft, daytime-like lighting. This allows the rats to enter a "daytime" period of restful sleep. This approach allows the animals to maintain their natural rhythms, and allows visitors to observe them in their natural state of activity.
This species is native to sub-Saharan Africa. The rodents' bodies reach 10–18 centimeters in length, with a tail length of 12–20 centimeters. They weigh between 60 and 150 grams.
Currently, in addition to acacia rats, the "Night World" is home to more than 20 species. Among them are the chinchilla, the common flying squirrel, the little mouse, the cactus mouse, the long-eared hedgehog, and the brush-tailed kangaroo.
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