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Mouse named Patrick Stewart is Guinness World Records' oldest mouse
Mouse named Patrick Stewart is Guinness World Records' oldest mouse
Agence France-Presse
Published Feb 10, 2023 10:00 AM PHT

LOS ANGELES - A mouse named after "Star Trek" actor Patrick Stewart is officially the world's oldest in captivity, a US zoo has announced.
LOS ANGELES - A mouse named after "Star Trek" actor Patrick Stewart is officially the world's oldest in captivity, a US zoo has announced.
Pat the Pacific pocket mouse -- the smallest species of mouse in North America -- bagged the title when he hit nine years and 209 days on Wednesday.
Pat the Pacific pocket mouse -- the smallest species of mouse in North America -- bagged the title when he hit nine years and 209 days on Wednesday.
"A mouse named Patrick Stewart (in tribute to the iconic actor), has been verified as the oldest living mouse in human care as well as the oldest mouse ever, aged 9 years 210 days as of 9 February 2023," Guinness World Records said.
"A mouse named Patrick Stewart (in tribute to the iconic actor), has been verified as the oldest living mouse in human care as well as the oldest mouse ever, aged 9 years 210 days as of 9 February 2023," Guinness World Records said.
Officials from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance confirmed Pat was still going strong on Thursday.
Officials from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance confirmed Pat was still going strong on Thursday.
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The tiny creature -- whose longevity was recognized by Guinness World Records -- weighs less than six grams (a fifth of an ounce).
The tiny creature -- whose longevity was recognized by Guinness World Records -- weighs less than six grams (a fifth of an ounce).
And unlike his namesake, who as Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanded the Starship Enterprise, Pat the Pacific pocket mouse is covered in hair.
And unlike his namesake, who as Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanded the Starship Enterprise, Pat the Pacific pocket mouse is covered in hair.
The species got its name because of pouches in its cheeks, which are used to carry food and nesting materials.
The species got its name because of pouches in its cheeks, which are used to carry food and nesting materials.
The animals are found in coastal scrublands, dunes and riverbanks close to the Pacific Ocean.
The animals are found in coastal scrublands, dunes and riverbanks close to the Pacific Ocean.
Human encroachment left the species struggling and it was thought to be extinct until a tiny population was discovered in 1994.
Human encroachment left the species struggling and it was thought to be extinct until a tiny population was discovered in 1994.
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Experts at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, whose breeding program has helped bring the Pacific pocket mouse back from the brink, said the little animals are vital to ecosystems because they distribute seeds and encourage plant growth through their digging.
Experts at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, whose breeding program has helped bring the Pacific pocket mouse back from the brink, said the little animals are vital to ecosystems because they distribute seeds and encourage plant growth through their digging.
"This acknowledgement is also a symbol of appreciation for species that people don't know much about because they're not charismatic megafauna, but are just as critical for ecosystem function," said Debra Shier of the wildlife alliance.
"This acknowledgement is also a symbol of appreciation for species that people don't know much about because they're not charismatic megafauna, but are just as critical for ecosystem function," said Debra Shier of the wildlife alliance.
"These overlooked species can often be found in our own backyards -- like the Pacific pocket mouse."
"These overlooked species can often be found in our own backyards -- like the Pacific pocket mouse."
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© Agence France-Presse
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