I enjoy learning about species differences and similarities. I've learned about the animal diets and special nutritional requirements of each species. It is important for me to know about physical differences that are not obvious. Anyone can look at a horse and a rat and know that they are very different from each other. Neither has a gall bladder and neither can vomit.
Every animal has needs.
It is my duty to know what each animal's requirements are and ensure that they are provided. Besides proper diet and water, environmental enrichment is very important to the well-being of any animal. Laboratory animals especially need stimulation to prevent boredom. Things which contribute to the enrichment of the animals' environment can be as simple as the type of bedding use for mice. Placing 2 or more animals of the same species together for companionship is enrichment.