Home | Pet Profile (page 2)

Category Archives: Pet Profile

Feed Subscription

A Naturalist-Priest, Yellow Rats and Bacterial Research – The Contorted Story of the Gerbil’s (Meriones unguiculatus) Arrival in the Pet Trade

In 1862, a French missionary named Armand David was commissioned to China, ostensibly as a school teacher.  However, the young priest had been deeply interested in nature since childhood and, as naturalists are want to do when finding themselves in exotic (or familiar!) locales, he began to collect all that walked, swam, flew or grew within reach. 

A Missionary’s “Alternative” Calling

The specimens he sent back to France intrigued the director of the Natural History Museum in Paris, and funding allowing Father David to continue his collecting was soon arranged.  From 1866 to 1874 he explored largely unstudied regions in northern and western China, and was eventually responsible for bringing hundreds of previously un-described species of animals and plants to the attention of European biologists. Read More »

Rats as Pets – Looking Past Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Hooded RatOf all of the animals we carry in Critter Corner’s Small Animal Room, rats evoke the biggest reaction. Most people who see pet rats for sale cringe at the idea of having one in their home, let alone as a well loved companion. Who would want a pet rat? What could you possibly get out of having a pet rat? Well, despite the stereotype of rats being flea carrying bringers of disease, domesticated pet rats are clean, intelligent, personable animals that rarely bite, can be trained to do tricks, and make wonderful pets for gentle children and adults alike. Read More »

Scroll To Top