A prickly patient

Perth Zoo veterinarians embarked on one of their prickliest procedures, as resident Cape Porcupine, Noko, had her latest check-up at the Zoo’s veterinary hospital!

Healthcare for such a spikey individual is a delicate task, but no challenge is too great (or quill too prickly) for our expert vet team.

As part of the Zoo’s proactive approach to animal care, they gave Noko a delicate but thorough examination, successfully conducting checks of her body condition and mobility, a dental scale, taking X-rays, and drawing blood samples for testing.

Noko proved to be the picture of health and was given plenty of tasty carrot following the procedure.

Here at Perth Zoo positive animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do for the 1300 animals in our care.

That includes looking after their environment, feeding them a nutritionally balanced diet, making sure our animals have fulfilling lives, and providing a high standard of proactive health care.

Fast Facts

• The Cape Porcupine is the largest rodent in Africa.

• Cape Porcupines splay and rattle their quills to warn off predators.

• Despite popular myth, the Cape Porcupine is not able to throw its quills.