Jan 25, 2022, 12:00 AM
Introducing New Cape Porcupine Babies Fennel and Nettle
African Cape porcupines Bristle and Holley were successfully introduced on July 17, and on December 3 they became first-time parents! The pair produced two porcupettes – female Fennel and male Nettle – the first births of this species at the zoo. Porcupettes are born with soft quills that harden after a few days. Cape porcupine pairs are monogamous and both parents care for the young. The new family is on exhibit in the Social Animals Building.
Three sets of Turkmenian Markhor Twins Born at the Zoo
Over the summer, three sets of male-female Turkmenian markhor twins were born at the zoo! All six received flavorful names per our zookeepers’ “herbs and spices” naming theme for 2021 zooborns. Poppy Seed and Wasabi were born to female markhor Dorothy on June 6, Clove and Sesame were born to her herd-mate Rose on June 13, and Cayenne and Saffron were born to a third Golden Girl, Blanche, on September 7. All three sets of twins were fathered by our male markhor, Thor.