Welcome to our latest arrivals, a pair of North American Tree Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) who have come to us. They are possibly the first species kept in captivity in Scotland.

Porcupines are usually dark brown or black in colour, with white highlights. They have a chunky body, a small face, short legs and a short thick tail. Their upper parts are covered with thousands of sharp, barbed hollow spines or quills, which are used for defence. Porcupines do not throw their quills, but the quills detach easily and the barbs make them difficult to remove once lodged in an attacker. The quills are normally flattened against the body unless the animal is disturbed. The porcupine also swings its quilled tail towards a perceived threat. The quills are used by Native Americans to decorate articles such as baskets and clothing.