Gerbil

Hi there! I’m the Gerbil, a small rodent with enormous energy. My burrowing skills are top-notch! I create complicated tunnel systems in the wild. Seeds, grains, and veggies are my favorite snacks. I like to eat insects too, making me an omnivore. I am very social and thrive when I am part of a pair or a group." Oh, and I love company. Pair me up with another gerbil, and we’ll have a blast! My active nature means I need plenty of space and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.

As a gerbil, I can trace my origins back to the arid landscapes where we were once known as desert rats. While we may resemble these creatures, our entire bodies, including our tails, are luxuriously covered in soft fur, protecting our delicate skin from the relentless rays of the desert sun. You might wonder, Do I bathe? Indeed, I do, but not in water like many other animals. Instead, I indulge in rolling around in the warm, fine sand, which helps to dislodge any debris from my coat and keeps it lustrous and clean.

Living in the desert, I face numerous predators eager to make a meal of me. To safeguard my friends and family, I have developed a keen sense of danger. When I detect a threat, I thump my feet rhythmically against the ground, sending out a warning to alert others in my community.

Despite my small stature, I am a brilliant little creature. From a young age, I have learned the essential skills needed for survival and social behaviours. While we may not match the intellect of rats, we certainly possess the ability to understand basic tricks and recognise the nuances of our interactions, especially when it comes to the prospect of a tasty reward.