Mammals we are currently working with .

  Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)  is a wild cat native to the southern and central regions of South  America. It is about the size of a domestic cat.They are nocturnal and a  solitary hunter. They are at the top of the food chain in its range and  preys primarily on rodents, hares, small lizards, insects, and  occasionally frogs and fish. They weigh between 4 to 11.0 lb. Males are  usually larger than females. Life span is 10-15 years in captivity.  

 Degus (Octodon degus) are found in the  lowland areas of Chile in South America  a degu is a small rodent that  is closely related to the guinea pig and chinchilla. Degus are very  social, inquisitive animals and can be very vocal. The overall size for a  degu is 5 to 7 inches and they may live up to 7 years in captivity. A  good diet consists of a combination of hay and pellets (guinea pig,  rabbit or commercial rodent block). Care should be taken when handling a  degu as the tail is very fragile and can be shed. Once lost, the tail  will not regrow. 

 Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) inhabit a  wide range across a variety of climates and terrains in East Africa.  They eat ground-dwelling insects, other invertebrates, and they are  quite opportunistic and are known to feed on carrion, birds’ eggs, and  any lizards, snakes or other small animals that should happen to  catch.They are nocturnal and live 4-8 years in captivity.  

Acacia rats (Thallomys paedulcus)  natural habitat is in areas with Acacia trees  in Africa. They  are medium sized with very long brown tails and a  dark black line encircling their eyes. They typically have light grey fur. They have a lifespan of  3-5 years and can live in same or mixed sex colonies.

Acacia rats are excellent  climbers and extremely active; a large arboreal cage should be used.

Diet should consist of a base seed mix, various  fruit, veggies, and insects. 

Persian Jirds (Meriones persicus) are large relatives of the Mongolian gerbil. They are from the Persian Desert Basin.  They are omnivores and nocturnal. They like to live in groups in the wild. Their lifespan is 5-7 years.  

The African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata)  is the largest porcupine in the world.  It lives in hilly, rocky habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa  and Italy. They are nocturnal and eat tubers, fruits, bulbs, and bark. They live in tunnel systems in small family groups. They can live up to twenty years.