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rodney the giant

This three-foot swamp rat found in a Tipperary river needs a new home

Got space for this chap?

REMEMBER THE CASE of Rodney, the giant swamp rat found swimming in a Tipperary river earlier this year?

Sure how could you forget…

rat

The rodent – which has been named Rodney – is a coypu American swamp rat. He was found in a river in Kilnascully by a man out for a walk in April – and he’s three times the size of your average Irish rat.

Despite speculation that the little fellow (little, compared to a regular-sized human) might find a new home in some kind of animal sanctuary, news reaches us today that Rodney is still being cared for in Kildare by the organisation that originally took him in.

“Since the news broke to the media, we’ve had lots of offers for homes for Rodney,” Dan Donaher of Kildare Animal Foundation told TV3′s Animal Rescue.

giant Rodney (may also answer to 'Dave'). TV3 TV3

“Some have been from people living in housing estates and places that just aren’t suitable really for him because he needs quite specialised care,” he told the programme, in an episode due to be broadcast on Monday night.

“He needs a large enclosure and a pond to swim in so we’re still on the lookout for a great home for him.”

Rodney made international news when he was found earlier this year.

He’s thought to be an abandoned pet.

Note: Animal Rescue’ will be broadcast on Monday at 8.30pm on TV3.

Read: Rats are “dancing a polka set” in Killarney according to one councillor >

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