Cape Porcupine Carefully Holds His Favorite Treat With Both Paws

This is the adorable moment a Cape porcupine carefully takes a treat from a keeper and holds it with both paws as he eats.

The adult male Cape porcupine, named Nzuri, sits inside a log hollow at Perth Zoo as a blue-gloved keeper offers him a popcorn-style or corn treat.

Nzuri takes the food and brings it to his mouth, gripping it with both paws while his quills and whiskers fill the frame.

Keepers say popcorn-style or corn treats are an occasional extra alongside his vegetable diet. Corn, sweet potato and potato are among the training favourites listed for the species.

Nzuri arrived from South Australia and was paired with Noko. They produced Perth Zoo’s first Cape porcupettes in 2018, sons Hasira and Jasiri. The zoo now keeps a group of four.

Cape porcupines are nocturnal and often stay in burrows during the day. Keepers film snack and target-training sessions to give the public a look at the animals.