“Goodbye Porky”: the Sainte-Croix animal park announces the death of one of the oldest porcupines in Europe

An emblematic figure of the Sainte-Croix park has passed away. The porcupine Porky, aged 17, died on November 11, announced the Rhodes animal park, in Moselle, on Wednesday December 4. The male American porcupine was euthanized by park keepers. His health had deteriorated for several years. He suffered in particular from dental problems. “Out of respect for his well-being, we have chosen to offer him a peaceful end of life”explains the Sainte-Croix park.

A “gentle and cooperative” character

Born in Italy in 2007, Porky was the oldest porcupine in the animal park. He was also considered to the oldest male of his species in a European wildlife park. In Sainte-Croix, he had lived a large part of his life alongside his female Sofie, who celebrated her seventh birthday in March.

“Porky will remain in our hearts for his sweet and cooperative character (despite his thorns!), his food preferences, such as sweet potato and avocado, and incredible personality, which allowed him to share so many beautiful moments with the keepers”specifies the park on its Facebook page. “He embodied, throughout his life, the beautiful relationship that can exist between man and nature.”