Naked mole rats are extraordinary eusocial mammals whose captive welfare requires understanding of their unique social structure, environmental needs, and colony dynamics.
Naked mole rat welfare is primarily a colony management challenge. Their eusocial nature means individual welfare is inseparable from colony health — workers separated from their colony experience severe stress, and colony disruption through overcrowding or loss of queen causes social breakdown. Captive colonies that are too small lack the complex social interactions that give naked mole rats psychological stability. Temperature management is critical — as near-ectotherms, they must have access to a warm core area that mimics the temperature-stable deep tunnels of their natural burrows. Facilities keeping naked mole rats as exhibits must invest in tunnel complexity that allows natural burrowing, digging, and social behaviours.