Fritz, Ernst, Kona, Kikka and Marble’s Story: Rehoming Research Rodents

For the past 19 years, I’ve devoted my career to prostate cancer research at the University of Washington. Science has always been my passion, but over time I felt a growing pull to do more for the animals who help make biomedical progress possible. That’s what led me, in December 2023, to found the Washington Adoption Center for Retired Research Animals (WACRRA). Our mission is simple but powerful: give eligible research animals a loving home once their work is done. I like to call it the “fourth R” in research: replace, reduce, refine and rehome. 

On Aug. 12, 2024, I welcomed the first animals into WACRRA’s care. Since then, I’ve rehomed 274 animals, with more in foster care and additional transfers on the way. I’m proud that WACRRA has already placed animals across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and even internationally in Canada. So far, I’ve placed mice, rats, guinea pigs, ferrets and a hamster. I’m also ready and open to work with aquatics, avians, rabbits and other small species. Every new partnership means more adoptable retired research animals are given a chance at a fulfilled life after the laboratory. 

Fritz and Ernst: The Rats Who ‘Flunked’ Fear Testing but Aced Life at Home

Two of the animals who will forever stay with me in memory are Fritz and Ernst, a pair of wonderfully calm Long Evans rats. They were the first animals WACRRA ever rehomed. Both rats had been intended to be part of a study evaluating social behavior in uncertain environments, but they flunked out because they weren’t easily startled. Their gentle temperaments made them perfect adoption candidates. 

When a family reached out, WACRRA Board of Directors member J. Preston Van Hooser and I drove them halfway across Washington to meet their adopter, Beth, and her two boys. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces during the handoff is something I’ll never forget. Today, Fritz and Ernst are adored, spoiled and living their very best lives. 

Kona and Kikka: Two Curious CD-1 Mice Ready for Adventure

Kona and Kikka, two curious female CD-1 mice, are another memorable pair. They came from a facility where animals often help train veterinary and research staff in proper handling and care procedures, such as injections or blood draws. Some animals from the facility support foster breeding for transgenic immunology studies as well. These two were bright, busy and bonded, and they were quickly adopted together. 

Marble: The Syrian Hamster With a Growing Sense of Confidence

Another special case is Marble, a timid Syrian hamster who had participated in vision research. When she became available, I knew immediately I wanted to adopt her myself. Over time, Marble blossomed. She now comes out when she hears me near her habitat, happily accepts being held, and absolutely loves her wheel. It took her a few months to start using her cheek pouches, and even now she prefers to enjoy treats one at a time. Watching her personality unfold has been such a joy. 

What surprised me most during WACRRA’s first couple years is the overwhelming support from the public. I receive messages almost every day asking if I can ship animals out of state or if similar programs exist elsewhere. Many people tell me they never knew this type of research animal adoption was even possible, and almost everyone says thank you. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the institutions willing to partner with me, the fosters who open their homes, the adopters who love these animals wholeheartedly, and the donors who make this work sustainable. My hope for the coming years is simple: to keep expanding and keep giving eligible retired research animals the highest level of care in loving forever homes they deserve. 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.wacrra.org. 

Holly has a BS in zoology and is a research scientist at the University of Washington. She can be contacted at holly@wacrra.org.

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