Bright-eyed and Bushy-tailed, this prehensile-tailed porcupine surveys his new home at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Five of the animals recently went on exhibit in the Tropical America atrium at the 1,800-acre wildlife preserve. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are found in the tangled vegetation of forest treetops throughout Central and South America. Their tails, which may reach a length of from 12 to 18 inches (33-45 cm), have a calloused, hairless pad near the tip which enables them to grasp and balance on branches. Their hands and feet also are highly specialized for climbing, with four digits on each Limb and long curved claws.
Photo measures 8 x 10 inches.
Photo is dated 02-02-1981.
Photo back:
