Meet Turbo
Our resident superstar african crested porcupine! Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds and others reaching up to 60, they are the 3rd largest rodent in the world. Turbo loves to make an appearance at our animal presentations where she educates and entertains. Her favorite rewards are sweet potatoes, oranges, and the occasional scratch on the chin!
Porcupine Quills
These porcupines have much longer quills than the North American porcupines you will see in our walkthrough. Turbo's longest quills can reach up to 13 inches. Porcupine quills are modified hair, and are therefore shed in the same way as our own hair, simply by falling out. These quills typically lie flat but can be raised in defense if the porcupine feels threatened. The quills cannot be thrown at predators but do easily fall out, sometimes giving the illusion of being thrown.
Common Name Porcupine
Scientific Name Hystrix cristata
Type Mammal
Status Least Concern
Diet Herbivore
Geographic Range Found in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Italy
Life Span 5 to 7 Years
Offspring 1 - 4 Porcupettes
