Rats at Singapore Zoo deprived of air?Vet says rodents are healthy and ‘exploring new scents’

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27 — Sensing that a group of rats at the Singapore Zoo may be endangered, people who care about rodents, and more specifically hamsters, are asking if the creatures are appropriate. I poked my nose in to ask the Mandai Wildlife Sanctuary to give me more air so I could breathe.

The Singapore Hamster Association posted on its Instagram account on Thursday (January 26) that “a family of more than 20 rats in the care of the Singapore Zoo” had been given “oxygen while living in large enclosures.” appears to have been robbed.” ”.

“They were behaving erratically, breathing through tiny holes and crevices in the edges. They are sometimes seen climbing on top of each other to do so,” it said.

People who work at the zoo said the rats were “looking for fresh air” and that workers “opened acrylic boxes for 30 minutes a day.”

Apparently, animal rights groups don’t think this is “insufficient.”

“We hope this is heard by the right people who can make immediate changes to rectify this situation,” the association said.

In the video that accompanies the post, a few rats are seen congregating on one panel of a small perforated acrylic enclosure and sniffing at the holes and joints in the chamber.

However, in an internal review by the Mandai Wildlife Group after becoming aware of the video, the rats were “in good health, with no signs of respiratory distress or respiratory distress.”

“Curious Sniffing”

in response to todayIn response to a question, Mandai Wildlife Group said in a statement that the enclosure in the video is part of the Fancy Rats on display at Singapore Zoo’s Rainforest Kidzworld.

Dr. Heng Yirui, a veterinarian at Mandai Wildlife Group, said the video exhibit is home to 13 rats and consists of two large connected chambers that “have enough room for the rats to move around.” .

“Each of these rooms is also fitted with a fan to circulate the air and ensure constant ventilation. The exhibits are also cleaned daily.”

Dr. Heng also said that the veterinary and animal care teams visually evaluated the video and found that the rat behavior was “not uncommon” because it was filmed close to feeding time. rice field.

“By nature, rats are very curious animals and rely on their sense of smell to explore and explore their surroundings.

“The curious sense of smell seen in the video is part of how guests explore new scents in their environment, such as when they go near their homes.”

Heng added that rats in the current enclosure have not been diagnosed with respiratory problems or other medical problems related to poor ventilation in over two years.

“Animal welfare and animal care are never compromised. Nevertheless, we appreciate the care and concern of all netizens following this today.”

Commenting on Hamster Society Singapore’s staff’s claim to account, Dr Heng said: – today