Living Desert introduces baby porcupine
A baby porcupine that was born at The Living Desert in May will soon be introduced to the Animal Encounter Program. The program was developed to give guests an up close and personal interaction with zoo animals.
The African Crested female baby porcupine is named Tootsie. She was born on May 23.
Zookeepers said on top of her being a part of the Animal Encounters Program, she’s currently being trained for a part in the Wildlife Wonders Show in October. The Wildlife Wonders Show is designed to give zoo-goers a more in-depth view into the animals’ daily interactions and behaviors.
“We are excited to introduce this baby porcupine into our Animal Encounters program and look forward to her debut in the Wildlife Wonders show next month,” says Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “It’s always a pleasure to showcase the babies born here at the zoo in an interactive manner.”
According to The Living Desert’s release, the African Crested porcupine is one of Africa’s largest rodents. Adults grow up to 29 inches long and weigh anywhere from 18 to 51 lbs.
They are vegetarians and feed on wild roots, bulbs, berries and other plants. In cultivated areas they eat groundnuts, potatoes, pumpkins, melons and maize. Their only predators are large carnivores.
Zookeepers said the quills on the neck and back are black and white and the tips of the tail quills can range up to 20 inches long. They make a rattling sound when the porcupine feels threatened. It is called a crested porcupine because some quills can be erected into a crest, which starts at the top of the head and extends to the shoulder.
The Living Desert is open daily June 1 to September 30 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and October 1 to May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $8.75-$17.25 (children under 3 are free).
Membership prices begin at $55 for an individual and $100 for a family of four and includes early admission, discounts, special events and more.
For more information call (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org.
