A pair of African crested porcupines are being raised by keepers at the Living Desert in California, USA. The twin porcupettes were born on July 22. Their parents are dad, Nusura and mum, Skittles.
One of these young porcupettes is being groomed for life as a star being part of the zoo’s educational outreach program with the other’s future role at the zoo currently being decided.
The Living Desert currently houses seven African crested porcupines. Two live on exhibit in the zoo’s African section while one female lives off exhibit. Two others feature in the educational show Wildlife wonders.
These spiky creatures are the largest rodent found in Africa growing up to 23kg (51lb) in weight. Their vegetarian diet consists of plants, bulbs, berries and wild roots. The quills which are found on their back may grow to be 50.8cm (20in). If they are threatened these animals will rattle the quills and they can also erect a crest from the top of their head around to the shoulders.
Photo Credit: The Living Desert
