Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth has this month welcomed two new residents – and the prickly pair have already become firm favourites in the park’s zoo farm.
The two baby African Crested Porcupines – known as porcupettes – were born on St Valentine’s day to mum Afryea and dad Koho.
The family-run park, set in 90 acres of Devon countryside, is a wildlife wonderland for families with its huge stock of animal species, including a falconry centre with more than 40 birds of prey.
Now guests will be able tors from Defra’s zoo licensing inspection team as “one of the very best we’ve seen”.
Michaela Newham, head keeper at Woodlands Zoo-Farm, said the two porcupettes – yet to be named – are doing extremely well:
“This is the third offspring for Afryea and Koho, and the twins join their thriving brother Tandi aged two and sister Afia aged one.
“Mum and dad are fantastic parents, but are very protective of their new babies. The little ones are quite adventurous and are having great fun exploring their new home,” said Michaela.
The African Crested Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa, and lives in hilly, rocky habitats in sub-Sahara region.
Crested porcupines are nocturnal, and in the wild spend the night foraging for food including bark, roots and some fruit – but are especially fond of sweetcorn at the zoo farm.
A member of the Best of British parks group, Woodlands’ accolades include the Alan Rogers “Best Family Campsite in Europe” award, and the “AA Campsite of the Year” award with a 5 pennants rating.
For more information, see the park’s website at www.woodlandspark.com