An annual event in Buenos Aires called Ratapalooza is helping to find new homes for laboratory rats and mice that are no longer needed for research. Organised by Team Ratas, the event features stalls selling rat-themed merchandise, with proceeds funding veterinary care and food for the rodents.
Dominique Verdier, who leads Team Ratas, started the initiative in 2016 after adopting two rats from a university. The network now includes 90 foster homes in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas, housing hundreds of animals from 11 facilities. Over the past decade, Verdier has rescued more than 8,000 animals and found homes for approximately 3,000.
Prospective adopters must have access to a vet specialising in exotic animals, a spacious cage with enrichment, and commit to at least one hour of daily interaction. María Gabriela Aponte, who adopted three lab rats, said, 'Rats are very intelligent and sweet.'
Verdier emphasises that lab rats are disease-free, as they have not been exposed to the outdoors or inoculated with viruses. Some labs prefer to euthanise surplus animals, but others cooperate with Team Ratas to avoid sacrificing them. Veterinarian Silvina Diaz from the University of Buenos Aires supports the rehoming efforts, calling it 'great that they’re doing this work.'
