[Window] Thanking All the 'White Rats' in the World

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] The year 2020, the Year of the White Rat, has begun. In the sexagenary cycle, Gyeongja is the 37th combination, where Gyeong (庚) represents the color white and Ja (子) signifies the rat, so this year is not just the year of the rat but the year of the "White Rat."

In folklore studies, white animals are considered spiritual and auspicious creatures. The term "auspicious" means "a sign that good and fortunate events will occur," and it is clear that the white rat is a beneficial animal to humans. Although for the white rat itself, its fur color might symbolize short life and misfortune.

The white rat is a representative "Model Organism" used in experiments to understand biological phenomena and to conduct research for treating human diseases. Compared to other laboratory animals, it is small in size, produces many offspring, has a short life cycle, and is docile. It is even called a "living reagent" due to its excellent advantages in producing experimental results.

In South Korea, about 4 million laboratory white rats are produced annually through artificial or natural breeding. Under the strict management of specialized production companies, the white rats are weaned and shipped after three weeks of age. After being distributed, the white rats undergo an adaptation period of about 1 to 2 weeks before being immediately used in experiments. Typically, they serve as experimental subjects for about 6 to 12 weeks and must be euthanized after autopsy, so their lifespan is at most 17 weeks.

Some cosmetic brands proudly advertise that they do not conduct animal testing, but animal experiments are still essential for new drug development. To honor the spirits of laboratory animals such as rats and rabbits that endure painful in vivo experiments against their will and live short lives for the sake of humans, an annual event called the "Laboratory Animal Memorial Ceremony" is held.

A part of the memorial address at the Laboratory Animal Memorial Ceremony reads: "All life is part of nature, and living and dying follow the natural order, but the gratitude for those born as laboratory animals who sacrifice their noble lives cannot be expressed in words."

On the occasion of the Year of the White Rat, we express our gratitude and condolences to the laboratory animals who gave their lives for humans. We hope the new year will bring even slight improvements in animal welfare and animal rights.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.