12/11/2025
She couldn’t choose - and that memory will stick with me forever..
We had a mother porcupine in care that had given birth the day prior, when received yet another baby porcupine. This one was an orphan in need of help. I couldn’t help but wonder if our new mama porcupine, Samantha, might adopt him.
We set up a barrier in the enclosure to separate the new orphaned porcupette from Samantha and her baby. I thought it was the responsible thing to do to keep everyone safe but let them smell each other.
To my surprise, Samantha had mustered up the strength to go from one side of the barrier to the other. I had not expected this, as 24 hours earlier, she was barely able to sit up. She seemed very interested in caring for the new porcupette.
I contemplated other options for a barrier while I did my final round of feedings with the other orphaned wildlife in our care. I wanted it there overnight while I was unable to keep an eye on them.
When I returned to check in on them - this is what I saw. (Pictured below)
Seemingly unable to choose between her newborn baby and the orphan she had just received, Samantha draped her body across both sides of the partition. Each porcupette scooted close to her on their side.
Mama had made her point very clear. A separation of her new family would not be tolerated...
Needless to say, the partition was removed after that. A mother’s love doesn’t see barriers anyway…