Kukurika died on 6 December 2016 aged 4 years and 2 months. Dispite all her health problems she was the longest lived of all my Pouched Rats.

Kuku had been ill for a couple of weeks with increasing weakness and lethargy. She'd had an overnight stay at 'hospital' the week before because she wasn't maintaining her body temperature. The vet couldn't find anything wrong but towards the end Kuku spent most of her time sleeping. We'd enjoyed a long cuddle on her last evening and as I was putting her to bed she had a brief fit, or possibly a heart attack, and died quite quickly in my arms.

Kuku was proof that Pouched Rats can become fully socialised and bonded to their humans and remain so for life. As all owners testify this requires lots of time and dedication from their owners. It is an ongoing committment whether successful or not.

Having enjoyed such a special bond with Kuku I've decided that she has been my last Pouched Rat.

This site will remain as an archive which I hope other Pouched Rat owners will find useful and I'll continue to respond to queries which people send me.

My thanks to everyone who's helped and encouraged me and all who have shown an interest in my experiences with these wonderful animals. I feel very lucky to have shared my life with Kali, Babu and Ambaa, Jaali, Ollie and Kia and Kukurika.