Written by Lauren Phillippi, lead animal keeper
There have been many changes in African Rift Valley recently, in addition to the brand-new giraffe habitat we’re building. One of the most notable this summer was the opening of the new outdoor mixed species habitat built for three of my favorite animals at the Zoo: our Cape vultures, Godric and Hedwig, and our own prickly superstar, Waffles the Cape porcupine.
Guests can see vultures flying and exploring their perching in their new aviary across from the current giraffe barn. The habitat doubles as a home for one of the most adorable animals at our Zoo – Waffles.
Although the vultures were introduced to the habitat first, when Waffles arrived, she strutted out of her travel crate with a confidence that seemed to say, “Yes of course, this is all for me!” She explored every space during her first day and we watched with awe as she kept interacting with new parts of her exhibit. Even with large vultures keeping a close eye perched in trees above her, and a few curious giraffe neighbors following her along the mesh as she explored, Waffles kept on without a care.
It was exciting when she started using the exhibit features that were designed just for her. Porcupines are nocturnal, meaning many times when you go by to see Waffles during the day, she’ll likely be resting or sleeping. There is an elevated dugout in the new termite mound feature in their yard that she often climbs on to take a nap. Most often, guests can see her resting near or in her burrow at the baobab tree. There is even a viewing window inside of the tree where people can get a unique view of her underground. Next time you visit, you might see her resting there, or doing one of her favorite activities: digging!
The burrow was designed so we can add fresh substrate, like dirt or mulch, to the habitat. Waffles is a real earth-mover and she uses her claws and her strong legs to dig and move dirt around until it is just where she wants it. She chooses digging over most other enrichment opportunities when given the choice, so we are happy to provide her environment with opportunities to do what she does best as a Cape porcupine.
Waffles also shines during training. I’ve worked at the Zoo for 12 years, and during that time I’ve trained a wide variety of animal species and behaviors. The past four years working with Waffles have been especially rewarding as she brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to every training session. Animal training continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of my day as a keeper.
Waffles knows many voluntary behaviors that allow her to be an excellent ambassador for her species by getting up-close with guests during her unscheduled walkabouts around the Zoo. Waffles also knows behaviors that help us keep track of her health, like stepping on a scale to check her weight and stationing voluntarily for vaccines. Most recently, she has started learning something new (and pretty exciting!): ultrasound training.
Waffles and I have only worked on ultrasound training a few times so far, but she learns fast, making each training session exciting. I plan for one step ahead in each session, as she often masters her training criteria quickly. You might say she’s really sharp – pun intended. At the start of each session, I cue Waffles to place her front paws up on a log stump, creating more room to view her belly, which usually stays low to the ground.
When designing the training plan, I break the behavior into smaller steps so Waffles can choose to participate at each step. We start with stationing on the stump, gently parting her quills on her stomach, introducing the ultrasound equipment, and building a duration hold – which helps her learn how long I need her to stay in that standing position for our veterinary team to get a good ultrasound image. When Waffles was first introduced to the ultrasound wand touching her abdomen, she stayed calmly on her station, eager to earn almonds and walnuts as positive reinforcement for participating. I am so proud of the progress we’ve made!
This will be an extremely helpful behavior for her to know in the future because she has a breeding recommendation by the Cape porcupine Species Survival Plan (SSP) to be matched with a male. Training an ultrasound behavior now will give us the chance to track and monitor a potential pregnancy in Waffles’ future.
Porcupines have a special place in my heart, so naturally I’m very excited to welcome another porcupine to the Zoo, especially if it means the potential for porcupettes (the scientific name for baby porcupines)!
Introducing Waffles and her future mate will require a lot of planning, patience and expertise in reading the animals’ responses to each other. We will follow the porcupines’ lead as we support Waffles and the new porcupine getting to know each other. It will be an honor to be a part of this next journey with her.