The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is celebrating a historic first: the birth of a prehensile-tailed porcupine, known as a “porcupette.”
Born August 1 to mom Nora and dad Renzo, the Zoo says the tiny porcupette quickly became a source of excitement for zookeepers. At just two days old, it weighed 428 grams and has already more than doubled in size. Keepers say Nora is a relaxed and attentive mother, and baby is nursing and growing well.
Porcupettes are born with short quills hidden under reddish-orange hair. As they grow, the hair falls away to reveal their quills. The zoo says a DNA test on one of the baby’s quills will determine whether it’s a male or female.
The newborn lives behind the scenes with Nora and Renzo, who are ambassador animals.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this little one and to share its milestones with the community,” zoo staff said.
The zoo plans to share updates on the porcupette’s progress on its website and social media channels.