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  1. Animals
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  3. Naked Mole-rat Cam
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Naked Mole-rat Cam

Naked mole-rats live underground and are the only true eusocial mammals, spending their lives in large colonies with a single breeding female. Watch as the Zoo’s colony eats, sleeps and explores its habitat, which features 16 chambers and nearly 25 feet of winding tunnels to patrol. Have a question? Check out the Naked Mole-rat Cam FAQs.

Download the Animal Cam Educational Activities (link will open in new window). This packet is designed to engage students (grades K-5) in looking closely and thinking deeply about animal behavior and habitats. Welcome to the wild side of learning!

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To conserve bandwidth, the Zoo's webcams are set to turn off after 10 minutes of watch time. If the player times out, simply click the play button to continue.

Naked mole-rat

Naked mole-rats are pink, nearly hairless subterranean rodents that live in burrows in eastern Africa. These surprisingly long-lived animals are one of the only true eusocial mammals; they live in large colonies in which only one female breeds and the majority of individuals spend their lives working for the colony.

Small Mammal House

Scurry into the Small Mammal House, and meet more than 35 species as they move, eat and play in enclosures that mimic their wild habitats. Sand cats dwell in desert landscapes, golden lion tamarins jump from tree to tree and naked mole-rats tunnel through tubes.

10 Facts About Naked Mole-rats

If you think a blind, nearly hairless rodent that lives underground can’t get much stranger, then buckle up. There’s a lot more to these weird (and wonderful) rodents than meets the eye!

Naked mole-rat News

A photo from the second naked mole-rat cam at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. The cam gives a behind-the-scenes look at the naked mole-rats moving through the tunnels that link the chambers of their exhibit together.
Apr. 11, 2019
Virtual visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s website will soon be able to watch naked mole-rats on two live webcams ...
Mar. 06, 2019
There seems to be a favorite in the naked mole-rat colony. 
Feb. 14, 2019
This Valentine’s Day (or any day!) celebrate with your beloved and 2,700 of your closest animal friends at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
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