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Location:

Next to Kinkajou (old outdoor sloth exhibit)

Cape Porcupine

  • Jane (F) ~2022

  • Fennel (F) ~2022

Identifying Features:

History:

  • Fennel, Jane, and Mary, arrived at the Phx Zoo Jan. 2023 from the Rosamond Giffiord Zoo in Syracuse, NY. They are sisters from different litters. One is 1 year old and two are 8 months old.

  • Mary was transferred to another zoo in Spring 2026.

More Information:

  • Largest species of porcupine

  • Found in sub-Saharan Africa

  • Rodent family

  • Females are larger than males

  • Solitary or live in small family groups

  • Typically nocturnal, but may be seen during the day

  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years (20 years in managed care)

  • Constantly chewing roots, bark, bulbs, and fallen fruit

  • Quills are modified hairs coated with plates of keratin

  • Cannot shoot quills, but will run backward to stick prey

  • Quills are 1-13 inches long and are relatively hollow

  • They are excellent swimmers, quills making them more buoyant

  • IUCN: Least Concern

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