A baby North American porcupine has been born at Zoo Boise. The male baby, called a “porcupette,” was born July 27 to parents Zeus and Athena. The baby is now on exhibit at the zoo.
The baby weighed 468 grams when it was born. Porcupettes are born with soft quills, to give mom a break during the birthing process. Those quills harden 30 minutes after birth.
Zoo officials say first-time mom Athena has been taking good care of the baby. He has grown to 538 grams in the last few days.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
