A Visit With the World’s Largest Porcupine at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

Lori Dorn
October 13, 2016

Great Big Story Planet Earth visited with beautiful African crested porcupine named Pierce who is an animal ambassador at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Pierce and those in his species are the largest of all porcupines, however sadly their numbers are dwindling due to development.

The African crested porcupine is the largest porcupine on Earth. With a tuft of quills on its head that would make any rock star jealous, this rodent can be found in rocky habitats stretching from Italy to Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to rapid urbanization, it is living in increasing proximity to humans, and farmers see it as an agricultural pest. Can this prickly porcupine last?

The incredibly handsome Pierce is an African crested porcupine at @LowryParkZoo. Just, you know, admire from a safe distance. pic.twitter.com/f8NGxIyWmS

— Great Big Story (@greatbigstory) September 27, 2016

Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.