In a move prompted by significant reductions in government scientific research programs, the EPA has begun accepting applications for employees to adopt lab rats and zebra fish. This initiative comes as the agency discontinues animal testing, providing an opportunity for the animals to find new homes.
EPA Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amid Research Cuts
EPA Launches Adoption Program for Lab Animals Amid Research Cuts
The Environmental Protection Agency has initiated a unique adoption program for lab rats and zebra fish as it ceases chemical testing amid budget cuts, inviting employees to provide homes to these creatures.
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As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discontinues its involvement in animal testing—the result of substantial budget cuts—employees at its North Carolina research campus are stepping up to take responsibility for lab rats and zebra fish. The agency's decision to halt such testing is part of broader reductions to government scientific endeavors following the Trump administration's budgetary constraints.
The newly launched adoption program invites EPA staff to take home these lab animals, traditionally used for testing chemical toxicity. An internal memorandum has confirmed that the program is now open for applications, although adoption processes are temporarily suspended while criteria are finalized.
Proponents of the initiative expressed their excitement, as illustrated by an eye-catching poster displayed on the agency’s campus that encourages staff to "Adopt love. Save a life." According to insiders, there are roughly 20,000 animals, predominantly fish and fish larvae, under the EPA's care—many of whom will require new homes in the wake of the research facility's closures.
While some animals, including the last two resident rabbits, have already found adoptive families, the focus remains on securing homes for the remaining lab rats and zebra fish. With such initiatives, the EPA hopes to ensure these animals are not left homeless and can transition from lab settings to loving environments.
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discontinues its involvement in animal testing—the result of substantial budget cuts—employees at its North Carolina research campus are stepping up to take responsibility for lab rats and zebra fish. The agency's decision to halt such testing is part of broader reductions to government scientific endeavors following the Trump administration's budgetary constraints.
The newly launched adoption program invites EPA staff to take home these lab animals, traditionally used for testing chemical toxicity. An internal memorandum has confirmed that the program is now open for applications, although adoption processes are temporarily suspended while criteria are finalized.
Proponents of the initiative expressed their excitement, as illustrated by an eye-catching poster displayed on the agency’s campus that encourages staff to "Adopt love. Save a life." According to insiders, there are roughly 20,000 animals, predominantly fish and fish larvae, under the EPA's care—many of whom will require new homes in the wake of the research facility's closures.
While some animals, including the last two resident rabbits, have already found adoptive families, the focus remains on securing homes for the remaining lab rats and zebra fish. With such initiatives, the EPA hopes to ensure these animals are not left homeless and can transition from lab settings to loving environments.
