Florida zoo welcomes African Crested porcupine

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A baby African Crested porcupine has made its debut at a Florida zoo.

The 12-ounce porcupine called Quilbert is a little over a week old and recently made its first appearance at ZooWorld in Panama City Beach. Head zookeeper Jon Almendares says the porcupine’s parents, Quillary Clinton and Quillard Scott, are in a breeding program, and that the zoo is excited about the porcupine’s arrival.

The News Herald of Panama City reports African Crested porcupines are the third largest rodent in the world and can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Officials say they can also defend themselves against lions and other large predators with their quills.

For now, Almendares says the zoo plans to use Quilbert as an educational animal.

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Information from: The (Panama City, Fla.) News Herald, https://www.newsherald.com