Zoo Boise is excited to introduce two new African Cape porcupine sisters to their family, and they are inviting the community to participate in naming these charming new residents. The sisters, who are just 1.5 years old and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds, have already started to capture the hearts of zoo visitors with their playful personalities.
These porcupine siblings are the first of their kind to reside at Zoo Boise since 2021. One sister is notably more outgoing and larger, often eager to greet the zookeepers, while both enjoy digging for roots in their outdoor enclosure.
Community Involvement and Support
The zoo is offering a unique opportunity for community members to contribute to the well-being of these porcupines by participating in a naming contest. For every $10 donation, participants can vote on a set of names for the sisters. The proposed names include Elphaba and Glinda from the musical ‘Wicked,’ Rose and Blanche from ‘The Golden Girls,’ Thelma and Louise, or more classic options like Opal and Onyx, reflecting Idaho’s Gem State nickname, and Zuri and Zola, which mean beautiful and peaceful in Swahili and Zulu, respectively.
Donations will directly support the porcupines’ meals, enrichment activities, and habitat upkeep. Additionally, those who donate $50 or more will be entered into a drawing to win paw prints from the sisters, a unique keepsake for any animal lover.
Voting began on Wednesday, May 27, and interested individuals can cast their votes through the Zoo Boise website, by calling 208-608-7754, or by mailing their entries to Zoo Boise at 355 Julia Davis Dr.
This initiative not only helps in naming the porcupines but also fosters community engagement and support for local wildlife conservation efforts.
Original reporting: KTVB (Boise metro) — read the source article.
