There has been a change of plan this week - I had hoped to showcase our largest animal, however I forgot to get the information today - so she can be next week. This week we are back to the mammal room with another more unusual animal.
Albert is our resident hedgehog and has been with us for around three years. Although known as the "African Pygmy" they were actually specially bred in captivity to keep as pets and are a hybrid of the Wild Hedgehog.
Albert is nocturnal so sleeps for most of the day, however I quite often get him out so he can have a wander around. He lives in a large cage and has an exercise wheel. Hedgehogs need plenty of exercise and wild ones are known to walk as much as 5 miles a night especially during mating season. Albert is white but is not an albino (no colour pigmentation). He is much smaller than a standard hedgehog but can move quite quickly. Hedgehogs are also good climbers and if they fall will roll up in to a ball and cushion the fall.
"I'm prickly and tickly!" |
You will see that gloves are being worn. Students are encouraged to identify and wear correct Personal Protective Equipment when handling an animal. This helps keep both the animal and the student safe during handling and cleaning animals out.
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"Don't mess with me! - I eat worms n' stuff" |
Just found this link on the BBC website about pet hedgehogs - how funny.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27675727
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