History:

• Porter was identified as a Cape Porcupine after some investigation showed that both his parents were Cape Porcupines.

• 3  Porcupines, 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.

• Porter is a highly desired breeder but will not be bred with the girls because they are a different species. There will be changes in the near future, but who's staying and who's leaving is unknown at this time. (Nov 2023).

Update as of 05/17/24 - All 4 porcupines have been classified as Cape Porcupine. Previously, the females were listed as African Crested but we have received more recent information with this correction. The three females are predominantly on exhibit at this time.

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