Summerâs here, and people looking to get in shape for the season could take some tips from Nolina, an elderly Oregon Zoo porcupine whose fitness routine is on point. This spiky senior citizen, who turns 20 today, is known for taking morning walks, which have kept her looking sharp in her golden years.
In the wild, African cape porcupines seldom live past the age of 15, and when Nolina reached that age five years ago, caregivers saw signs that she was beginning to slow down. To help keep her healthy and active, zoo veterinary staff recommended a brisk daily walk.
âHer walks are shorter now, and sheâs not as quick as she used to be, but she still gets around pretty well,â keeper Kristina McMahon said. âFor her age, sheâs doing amazing.â
Care staff use target training and food rewards as motivation for Nolina â her favorite snacks are corn on the cob, apples and sweet potatoes. Once she gets moving though, treats are beside the point.
On trips through the zooâs indoor rainforest area, Nolina passes a two-toed sloth, piranhas, a slender-snouted crocodile and other animals. Sometimes, sheâll venture out to visit the nearby flamingos.
African cape porcupines are the largest porcupine species on the planet and among the worldâs largest rodents. They can grow up to 2.5 feet in length and weigh more than 40 pounds, with formidable black-and-white quills that are sometimes more than a foot long.
Contrary to legend, porcupines do not âshootâ their quills, McMahon said â but they will raise and fan them out as a defense if they are frightened or excited. Wild porcupines have been known to fend off an entire pride of lions.
Source: Oregon Zoo