Potter Park Zoo Welcome First Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 25, 2021 5:35 am

Sophie the prehensile tailed porcupine explores her new enclosure at the Potter Park Zoo

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo

The Potter Park Zoo have announced the arrival of their newest resident. Sophie is a female prehensile-tailed porcupine who recently made the move from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska.

This is the first individual of this species to live at Potter Park Zoo.

“A new species is always cause for celebration,” said animal care supervisor Pat Fountain. “This is a unique and exciting addition for us, and we can’t wait to introduce her”.

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At the Potter Park Zoo guests can meet Sophie in the bird and reptile building alongside the golden lion tamarins.

Prehensile-tailed porcupines are found in Central and South America. They are a rodent which is primarily active at night.

These animals are adapted for life in the trees. To aid in this they have a strong and flexible tail which can be used a “fifth limb” when climbing which helps with balance and allows the claws to be used for foraging.