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