Posted on 08/05/2005 5:52:35 AM PDT by Cowman
Rats are given 'shower cubicles'
A rat dispels the age-old image of a dirty rodent A colony of Cumbrian rats is challenging the age-old image of the dirty rodent by enjoying showers at a Lake District wildlife attraction. They are part of a new feature at the Aquarium of the Lakes, near Windermere, which showcases UK wildlife.
The idea for the showers came after keepers noticed the rodents' behaviour whenever the plants in their display were watered.
Now a special "shower area" is being created for the animals.
Aquarium of the Lakes spokesman Scott Davidson said: "Whenever we watered the plants the rats would all stop what they were doing and gather together on a log where they all got a thorough soaking.
"They seemed to be enjoying it so much that we're now planning to give them their own special showers.
"Rats are naturally good swimmers and are also believed to be highly intelligent creatures.
Nocturnal journey
"As well as keeping them clean, the showers also provide them with some environmental enrichment which mirrors conditions in the wild."
The rat colony is part of a newly-opened £200,000 feature at the aquarium called Midnight at the Water's Edge.
The new display area forms part of a major expansion to the existing site and takes visitors on a nocturnal journey along the riverside after dark.
The area features both aquatic and land-based animals including water voles, bank voles, harvest mice, frogs and toads, slow worms and brown rats.
LOL better hygiene than liberal protestors hehe!
"The area features both aquatic and land-based animals including water voles, bank voles, harvest mice, frogs and toads, slow worms and brown rats."
Cheapest. Zoo. Ever.
Yes, but do they use saop?
LOL better hygiene than most EUROPEANS..............
Obiously a biased study. But I have seen rats swim.
LoL
Obiously = obviously.
Yup. Don't think we will ever hear of a Ratchel Corrie either.
No rat is dumb enough to stand in front of a bulldozer.
I've been on FreeRepublic long enough now that when I see the word "rats" I no longer associate it with rodents. It's always kind of a shock to discover they don't mean "Democrats."
Therefore, I was under the impression when I saw this headline that the democrats who work with me were finally going to stop smelling so bad.
You don't get to be that successful by being stupid. Rats will almost certainly go with man to the stars... whether we want 'em to or not.
Yes, but do they use saop?
----
No, sheep dip.
That's just too darned cute.
If people Rats would shower more they might be in better moods more often.
I used to keep pet rats (last one died recently, waiting to find a good breeder before I get another) and keep up with sites and forums where rat owners meet. You'd be shocked how many times proud owners have pics posted of their ratties happily splashing around in the bathroom sink, or a basin of some sort.
As with any animal, some like it, some don't, some will take ir or leave it as the mood strikes, but there's a decent number of rats who outright enjoy swimming or playing in water. None of mine seemed to care too much for it tho....Bear was generally a dignified animal, and the hairless would have gotten chilled very easily.
I did bathe them with a washcloth and warm water when they got minor skin staining from dyes used in chew sticks or from messy treats, and just wrapped them up and cuddled them in a warm towel after to dry them and keep them from getting chilled. I won't say they all enjoyed being bathed, but if they couldn't get it clean themselves, they at least put up with me giving them a hand...they never bit or got nasty with me.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM.
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