Animal profiles is a documentation of interesting animals. Enjoy my weekly profiles.

Name:  Icana

Age: 4 years old

Species:  Prehensile Tailed Porcupine

Native to the forests of South America this little tree dwelling porcupine is pretty sure footed, and of course it helps to have the prehensile (grasping) tail.  Yes, you can come see Icana up close and personal at the San Diego Zoo.  But should you ever come across one in the wild, be kind and give it plenty of room.  True, they cannot shoot their quills, but they can defend themselves if they feel threatened.

Special thanks to the San Diego Zoo for lending me Animal Ambassador Rick Schwartz and opening the zookeeper doors.

About the San Diego Zoo

The 100-acre San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections.

The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.