New Arrival: Rico the Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine Swings into the Zoo!

We're thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our zoo family: Rico, the prehensile-tailed porcupine!

This unique species is a rare sight in European zoos, and we're so happy to welcome Rico from his birthplace at the Hemsley Conservation Centre.

At just about to turn two, Rico is at the perfect age to venture out on his own and establish a new territory. The keeper team is delighted to report that he's settling in beautifully and has a voracious appetite - his leafy greens and vegetables vanish in a flash!

Hailing from the lush rainforests of South America, these porcupines are masters of the canopy, rarely descending to the forest floor. Their distinctive bulbous noses, packed with scent receptors, help them sniff out the ripest fruits and tastiest leaves. But their noses aren't just for foraging! They also play a key role in courtship, with males and females exchanging friendly nose rubs as part of their greeting ritual.

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Rico on your next visit! Keep an eye out for him high up in the trees, showcasing his incredible climbing skills and demonstrating the fascinating adaptations of this remarkable species. We can't wait for you to meet him!