Did you know that a group of porcupines is known as a prickle?
How about sharing the hilarious news with your kids while they stand in front of the African crested porcupines that now live at Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ)? At that point, you might add that the African crested porcupine is one of the world’s biggest rodents!
Fom Neglect Case to New Home
The porcupines, which are currently staying in the zoo’s old hippo habitat, were brought to WPZ after being seized as part of a suspected animal neglect case in Oregon. The case is ongoing.
Since their arrival in May, the prickle has grown. A pair of porcupettes (baby porcupines) was born on July 24.
“While performing a morning routine for the porcupines, including checking on, feeding, and cleaning the den, a member of the animal care team came upon the two baby porcupines,” Martin Ramirez, a Mammal Curator at Woodland Park Zoo, said in a release. “It was a nice surprise to discover little, soft quills moving about.”
These African crested porcupines are part of Woodland Park Zoo’s growing “prickle.”
(Image: Woodland Park Zoo)
Where to See the Prickle at WPZ
Adults in the prickle can be seen in the renovated habitat while the babies’ parents care for their young out of the public’s eyes.
Woodland Park Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and works alongside a coalition of more than 90 partners to reduce, and hopefully eventually eliminate, the illegal trade of wildlife.
Cool Porcupine Facts
- The body of an African crested porcupine is covered with coarse, sharp quills that range from 1 to 13 inches long.
- African crested porcupine adults can be 30 to 35 inches long and weigh more than 60 pounds.
- When threatened, the species will stamp their feet and make a rattling sound with their quills — warning the offender to back off.
