Apparently this tiny part-rat, part-mole (part homunculus) little thing could become a popular new pet.
Inside a small clear tube, a naked mole-rat decides to change direction.
Contorting its wrinkled, hot dog-shaped body, the animal nearly somersaults over itself and pokes out its head on the other side. It shows off four big teeth, sniffs the air and turns around again.
Watch a naked mole-rat for a while and you'll see this happen over and over and over. It's the nonstop movement and unusual characteristics -- certainly not its beauty -- that make mole-rats a hit with zoo visitors, especially children.
Why exactly kids like this slimy, bucktoothed little monstrosity is beyond me, but should the species become more and more widespread they'll likely become a high-end pet to rich/disturbed children.