(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced on Saturday, Feb. 14, that a new Valentine has arrived for resident African Cape porcupine, Waffles, a dapper male named Thistle.
Thistle is two years old and came to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation through the African Cape Porcupine Species Survival Plan. Keepers slowly introduced Thistle to 10-year-old Waffles, allowing them to see and smell each other through a protective barrier before sharing space. Once they started sharing space, they were interested in each other, and Waffles took the lead in helping Thistle to adjust to his new home. The two bonded quickly and often cuddle together in their heated den.
Thistle is learning training behaviors, such as approaching keepers when they call, touching a target, injection training, stationing on request, and walking alongside keepers. He loves eating corn on the cob and sweet potatoes. Waffles and Thistle sometimes share snacks with each other. Keepers have occasionally seen Waffles offer Thistle food she doesn’t want.
Waffles has been at the zoo since 2016, and was named after a bit of trivia — that this species of porcupine is said to smell a little like maple syrup. She has recently learned to stand for ultrasounds in anticipation of potential offspring, placing her front paws on a stump so her care team can see her belly…