Johannesburg Wildlife Vet Hospital welcomes days-old porcupine

Posted by Imogen Searra on 10 December 2020

A days-old Southern African porcupine has been taken into the care of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital after attempts to locate her mother failed.

The young animal was discovered in a residential estate and part of her umbilical cord was still attached.

‘While we were hopeful that the mother would return, this unfortunately didn’t happen, and the little porcupine is now under our care,’ said the hospital in a Facebook post.

‘While being slightly dehydrated, no other obvious wounds or injuries were found. She has taken well to her special milk formula and is doing well so far,’ the hospital continued.

Take a look at the little bundle below

The Southern African porcupine’s latin name is Hystrix africaeaustralis

She will soon grow into her whiskers!

The tiniest tot!

Facts about the Southern African porcupine

  • Also known as the Cape or African porcupine
  • They are the largest rodent in their region
  • Females are, on average, about one kilogram heavier than males
  • Male and females grow to over half a meter long
  • These animals can survive 12 to 15 years in the wild
  • The latin name for porcupine means, ‘quill pig’
  • Baby porcupines are called porcupettes
  • A mother-baby family unit is called a prickle

 

Pictures: Lauren Beckley & Sarah Kempen/ Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital






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