Whipsnade Zoo in the United Kingdom is home to a family of Cape Porcupines, which has recently grown from three to four members with the birth of a baby, known as a porcupette. The new addition, named Dakari, was born on February 13, 2024, and is still too young for zookeepers to determine its gender. The mother, Kimya, gave birth to her second baby in six months, with her previous infant, Oti, arriving in August 2023.
The Cape Porcupine: Africa’s Largest Rodent
Cape Porcupines are nocturnal rodents native to central and southern Africa, and they are the largest of all porcupine species and Africa’s second-largest rodent. In the wild, they usually venture out when the sun starts to set, but Whipsnade Zoo’s night vision cameras help monitor them even when keepers are not on the ground. While porcupettes have quills when they are born, they are soft at birth and become hard and prickly a couple of hours after the baby is born.
Spotting the Porcupines at Whipsnade Zoo
Visitors to Whipsnade Zoo may be able to spot the nocturnal animals snoozing during the day, but Lookout Lodge visitors have had the opportunity to see the baby porcupine snacking and playing with Mum Kimya during torch-lit tours. The Lookout Lodge experience offers unparalleled access to the animals, including feeding aardvarks, catching a glimpse of the new pride of lions, and learning about the multi-generation chimpanzee family. The experience takes place from Wednesday to Sunday and includes two full days of zoo entry to both Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo.
Staying at the Lookout Lodge
Staying at the Lookout Lodge also includes a delicious two-course dinner, full English breakfast, and free car entry to the Zoo. Funds raised from the overnight stays support international conservation charity ZSL’s vital work for wildlife in the UK and around the world.
Unique Characteristics of Whipsnade Zoo Porcupines
Whipsnade Zoo’s Cape Porcupines have several unique characteristics that set them apart from other porcupine species:
- Size: As the largest of all porcupine species, Cape Porcupines can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 60 pounds.
- Quills: Their quills can grow up to 12 inches long and are used for defense against predators. The quills are hollow and made of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails.
- Climbing Ability: Despite their large size, Cape Porcupines are excellent climbers and can even climb trees to escape predators or find food.
- Nocturnal Behavior: As nocturnal animals, Cape Porcupines are most active at night, foraging for food and exploring their environment.
- Diet: These porcupines are herbivores and primarily eat roots, bark, and fallen fruits and vegetables.
Conservation Efforts at Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo’s porcupine family is part of the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect and preserve these unique animals. The zoo’s participation in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) helps to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of Cape Porcupines in captivity, which can then be used to support wild populations.
In addition to the porcupines, Whipsnade Zoo is home to a wide variety of other endangered and threatened species, including the Amur Leopard, the Sumatran Tiger, and the African Elephant. The zoo’s conservation efforts extend beyond its walls, with the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) supporting numerous international conservation projects.
By visiting Whipsnade Zoo and participating in experiences like the Lookout Lodge, visitors can not only enjoy the unique and fascinating porcupines but also contribute to the zoo’s vital conservation work. The funds raised from these experiences help to support the zoo’s efforts to protect and preserve the world’s most vulnerable species.
Conclusion
Whipsnade Zoo’s porcupine family is a true highlight for visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these spiky, nocturnal creatures. From the newborn porcupette, Dakari, to the experienced parents, Kimya and Oti, the porcupine exhibit is a must-see for anyone visiting the zoo. With the Lookout Lodge experience, visitors can get even closer to these fascinating animals and support the zoo’s important conservation work.
References:
– Whipsnade Zoo Porcupine Video
– Whipsnade Zoo Porcupine News
– Whipsnade Zoo Porcupette News
– Whipsnade Zoo Porcupine Article
– Whipsnade Zoo Porcupine Video