Lab rats rescued, rehabilitated by Argentine organisation
Buenos Aires, May 18: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a group called Team Ratas is gaining attention for rescuing and rehoming laboratory rats and mice through an annual event known as “Ratapalooza.”
At the event, visitors watch rescued rodents explore enclosures, run through tunnels, and interact with food such as applesauce, while volunteers explain the adoption process. The initiative focuses on finding new homes for animals bred in laboratories or animal facilities once they are no longer needed for research.
Keeping rats and mice as pets is legal in Argentina as long as they are not wild-caught. The event also resembles a fair, featuring merchandise like rat-themed keychains, mugs, stickers, and accessories, with proceeds supporting veterinary care, food, and foster housing for the animals.
Potential adopters are required to provide proper care, including access to an exotic animal veterinarian, a large enriched cage, and daily interaction time.
The movement began in 2016 when founder Dominique Verdier adopted laboratory rats that were no longer needed by a university. Since then, she has built a foster network of around 90 homes in Buenos Aires and nearby areas, collectively housing hundreds of animals from multiple laboratories.
Over the past decade, the group has rescued more than 8,000 animals and placed about 3,000 in adoptive homes. The organisation now has a strong social media presence, with over 60,000 followers.
Verdier and supporters argue that laboratory rats are often misunderstood and can make intelligent, affectionate pets.
They emphasize that the rescued animals are healthy and have not been exposed to disease, countering concerns linked to rodents and outbreaks such as hantavirus in the region. According to Verdier, some laboratories prefer euthanising surplus animals, while others allow them to be taken for adoption.
Veterinarian Silvina Diaz from the University of Buenos Aires supports the initiative, saying it provides a humane alternative for animals after research use.
Despite criticism on social media, Verdier says the project continues to grow and challenge negative perceptions of rats and mice as pets, highlighting their suitability for responsible adoption and care. (AP)
