Please welcome two new adorable additions to Paradise Wildlife Park: Nancy and Ellie, the Porcupines!
Nancy arrived at Paradise from Wingham Wildlife Park and is 4 years old. Her favourite food is butternut squash. She has settled very well and spends most of her day asleep in bed and then spends her evenings digging holes and chewing on the logs and branches keepers have placed in the enclosure.
Ellie arrived from Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland. She is a little more timid than her housemate, Nancy but keepers say she is settling in very well. Nancy has even taken Ellie under her wing (or spikes!) and they are often seen cuddling up in bed together.
Porcupines can be found in many areas of the world. Some can be found in Africa and Asia, whereas some can be found in South America. One thing that ties all porcupines together are their sharp quills on their back. The Latin translation of porcupine means “quill pig”. The quills tend to lie flat until they feel threatened or nervous and this is when the quills stand vertically. Quills are often used a protective mechanism. Many predators often leave a porcupine with the quills embedded in their mouth and nose. If porcupines lose a quill, they can grow a new one in their place!
Did you know?
- Porcupines can NOT throw their quills.
- Porcupines are nocturnal, which means they are active primarily at night.
- Porcupine vision is poor, but they have an excellent sense of smell.
- Baby porcupines are called “porcupettes”.
Make sure you visit Nancy and Ellie’s new home at Paradise. They can be found next to our Camel habitat, opposite the Rainforest Building.
