Baby African porcupine born at Durrell Park
A baby porcupine has made its first public appearance in its enclosure at a Jersey wildlife park after being born earlier in the month.
The African Crested Porcupine, named Pip by staff, was born at the Durrell park on 9 July to mother Snuffit.
Snuffit had lost her mate, Spike, due to illness earlier in the year.
A few days later, keepers noticed a change in her behaviour and a scan revealed she was pregnant. Staff said she had taken to motherhood well.
'Full range' mother
After Spike died, keepers were concerned about her being alone because the porcupines normally live in social groups.
But when her appetite increased, staff suspected she was pregnant.
After the vet's scan confirmed this, she was moved to a quiet area.
Pip's sex has yet to be determined, but the park said it was suckling and trotting around after its mother happily.
Mark Brayshaw, head of animal collection, said: "The arrival of this infant is a welcome addition to our animal collection and our female porcupine of course.
"She can now express a full range of maternal behaviour and some social behaviours, all the more important since the loss of her mate."