Merriams kangaroo rat

Found in the tropical house. Taken august 2010

I didn't realize that there were any kangaroo rats in Europe. Are they considered a rarity or are they fairly widespread in collections?

Not widespread but they do seem to be spreading slowly. Was surprised to see only six collections listed on Zootierliste for them (albeit not yet including Newquay, so at least seven now!). Feel like I've seen them quite a bit lately, but I think I just happen to have been to the right zoos for them!

Are they new at Newquay? Bristol used to have a couple on show in the Twilight World: their enclosure now houses the kowaris.

Alan

Newquay have had them off and on for atleast the last 6 years.

They're exactly the sort of thing I'd expect to be popular with private keepers, so I suspect the zoo population is the tip of the kangaroo rat iceberg in Europe.

Not currently onshow at Newquay, for the record.

Are there other species of kangaroo-rat kept besides the Merriam's, in this zoo, or in others in Europe?