Short Wave Murder, Mayhem At The Zoo: A Naked Mole Rat Succession War
Jan 31, 2024
Kenton Kerns, assistant curator at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and an expert on naked mole rats, shares the shocking tale of a violent power struggle erupting in the zoo's colony. After the queen is injured in a brutal incident by her offspring, sibling rivals engage in fierce battles for supremacy. Kenton discusses the extraordinary eusocial behavior of these rodents and the emotional turmoil he experiences as he witnesses their dramatic conflicts. Tune in for an inside look at the wild side of animal hierarchies!
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The First Attack
- The National Zoo's naked mole rat queen was unexpectedly attacked and wounded by one of her offspring.
- This incident marked the beginning of a violent power struggle within the colony.
Naked Mole Rat Society
- Naked mole rat colonies operate as a monarchy, with a queen, soldiers, and helpers.
- Each mole rat plays a specific role to maintain the colony.
The Queen's Demise
- The queen was attacked three times by her own children, ultimately losing the use of her hind legs.
- This led to her being euthanized due to the severity of her injuries.