In July of 2007 Brevard Zoo was the lucky recipient of 12 (6 male, 6 female) Perdido Key Beach Mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) on loan from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The mice are a combination of the original animals that were rescued during Hurricane Ivan in the Florida panhandle in 2006 and their offspring.
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Education is an important component of the zoo’s Beach Mouse Program. Although the mice are tucked away behind the scenes we provide mouse updates in our new Paw’s On area and plan to exhibit mice in the near future. Our beach mouse graphic in Paw’s On is simple and to the point, “This is the mouse that builds the house that nurtures the plants that anchor the dune that weakens the storm that could flatten the house that you live in”. So you now have one answer to the question “Why are beach mice important?”
The Beach Mouse Team was tasked by USFWS to develop husbandry techniques and enclosure designs that mimic their natural environment. After housing a few pairs on shavings (the substrate the mice were kept on to date) and dampened play sand it became apparent that nest construction, tunneling and breeding activity increased on sand.
Zoo staff was informed in the beginning that it may be difficult to provide the right environment to encourage breeding. The numbers speak for themselves. The zoo currently houses 74 (37 males, 33 females and 4 unknown gender) mice and additionally has provided 17 mice for the 2 other zoos participating in the PKBM program, West Palm Beach Zoo and the Sante Fe Teaching Zoo. To date 10 different females have successfully produced litters. Remember, we started with 12 individuals.
The Perdido Key Beach Mouse is an interesting creature and unlike the mouse you find in pet stores. These nocturnal creatures are secretive and in human terms, skittish. Once in awhile a mouse is observed during husbandry procedures. Whether it is investigating our offerings or taking a morning stroll we’re always excited to witness their quirky behaviors. These less timid mice are discussed enthusiastically by the team…. “did you see Billy yesterday, he’s sure starting to show his age.” For a PKBM 4+ in years is old. Each mouse is identified by a ear notching, accession number, enclosure number and common name.
Recently we had an opportunity to measure and weigh three newborns, also known as pinkies. The mother of the pups does not mind showing herself during “human hours”. We successfully examined and weighed three 4 day old newborns and immediately put them back with mom. She carefully moved each pup back into her designated nest. Each pup weighed in at a whopping 2.4 grams!
Working with beach mice is meticulous and time consuming but the payoffs are worth all the effort. The video taken during the active hours of the night are analyzed and interpreted by staff. We are learning a great deal about Perdido Key Beach Mice and plan to contribute our valuable information to a greater cause.