New baby porcupines bring cuteness to Richmond
A prickly porcupette hanging around their enclosure at Maymont Park. Photo by Jose Segovia.
Daijah Hinmon, Staff Writer
The Robins Nature Center announced the addition of a species known as “porcupettes” to Maymont on Friday, July 25, according to a press release.
“Porcupettes” is the official name for baby porcupines, according to their website. The center has two female porcupettes — one named Sandy, and the other’s name will be announced on Sept. 6, based on a community vote.
Maymont introduced a special behind-the-scenes series on Aug. 1 called “Porcupettes Up Close,” which allows small groups inside the nursery for a more immersive learning experience.
Both porcupines were born in Michigan during May and needed a new home because they cannot survive in the wild on their own, according to their press release. They will move to a new outdoor habitat built for them along the Virginia Wildlife Trail in the upcoming year.
The Robins Nature Center has seen a surge in attendance since the porcupettes exhibit opened, according to communications manager Melissa Abernathy.
“Since we introduced the porcupettes back in July, we’ve had double the regular attendance average,” Abernathy said.
The porcupettes are very active, keeping visitors entertained as they climb branches and forage, as well as occasionally nap in their cubby holes.
Porcupines used to be native to Virginia, according to Maymont animal ambassador specialist Diana Wickersham. The species was wiped out in the 1800s after losing their habitat due to fragmentation and hunting.
Locals have been excited about the exhibit since many Virginians have not seen porcupines in the wild, Wickersham said. The exhibit provides the opportunity to educate people, give a wider understanding of what Virginia’s ecosystem used to be and how humans have shaped it.
“People are really shocked because they’ve never been face-to-face with a porcupine before,” Wickersham said. “And obviously, baby animals are one of everybody’s favorite common experiences among people.”
Maymont offers many opportunities to learn about a variety of species and the environment, according to visitor Megan Wiebe.
“They’re really cute,” Wiebe said. “It’s fun to see them, and the kids really enjoyed the exhibit.”
