A prickly North American porcupine was born at the Woodland Park Zoo on May 15. Four year olds Molly and Oliver are the parents to this porcupette which is their third.
Born weighing just ½ a kilo (1lb) keepers expect the porcupette to make its first public appearance at two weeks old. It now weighs 700g (1.5lb).
At the moment it and its mother have access to the public enclosure but are spending most of their time in the den. Female porcupines leave their babies in the den and return in the evening to feed them. Currently dad, Oliver is holidaying in another enclosure to give mum and bub some space.
This species is born with soft quills that begin to harden soon after birth so that they can have protection from predators.
Photo Credit: Kirsten Pisto/Woodland Park Zoo
