Franklin Park Zoo is Sold Out through Friday, April 23. Stone Zoo is Sold Out through Saturday, April 24. We hope you can visit on another day!

Know Before You Go: We've modified the Zoo experience in accordance with public guidance and health recommendations. Please review our FAQs (FPZ and SZ) before your visit. Members:​ Online reservations are required for your visit.

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Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine (Brazilian Porcupine)

Coendou prehensilis

Prehensileporcupine Gallery

About the Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine (Brazilian Porcupine)

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Class: Mammalia  
Order: Rodentia  
Family: Erethizontidae
Genus: Coendou  
Species: prehensilis

This 3-4 foot long nocturnal, quilled rodent gets its name from its muscular prehensile tail that allows it to grip branches in the dense canopy of the rainforest. Each night, the porcupine forages for food in a different tree, using whiskers to feel around in the darkness.