top of page
Image-empty-state_edited.jpg

Location:

Currently off exhibit, but will return when construction is completed and eagles return to their regular exhibits.

North American Porcupine

**Alert: Jasper is a father! Click 'READ MORE' or scroll down for picture.

  • Jasper (M) 6/7/2019

Jasper is has returned from breeding loan to San Diego, but remains off exhibit for now during construction.

Identifying Features:

History:

Came from the Staten Island Zoo

More Information:

  • Second largest rodent in N. America

  • Nocturnal and primarily solitary

  • Terrestrial or arboreal, depending on the habitat

  • Arboreal adaptations

  • Generalist herbivore

  • Hide in dens or dense trees during colder months

  • Covered in ~30,000 barbed quills

  • Communicate using high-pitched sounds and scent marking

  • Enjoy salt - can get into trouble in colder climates because they go after the salt on the roads

  • Quills are hollow, making them buoyant, so they are good swimmers.

We have heard from the staff at the San Diego Zoo that Jasper is the father of a Big baby boy! (April 2024)


bottom of page