Naked mole rats come to Rotherham wildlife centre

The Tropical Butterfly House in North Anston is the new home for six naked mole rats.

Animal keepers said this was quite a commitment by the centre as the underground-dwelling rodents can live for as long as 30 years.

A spokeswoman said: “Though they may never win a beauty contest, they are winning when it comes to health. 

“Naked mole rats have the ability to stop tumours from forming and can therefore never get cancer.

“Thanks to this natural ability they have previously been named Vertebrate of the Year by Science Magazine.”

The Tropical Butterfly House is one of only five zoos and animal centres in the UK to keep naked mole rats.