KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Zoo Knoxville is mourning the loss of one of its longtime residents, Pedzi the cape porcupine.
Friday evening, Zoo Knoxville announced Pedzi’s death. She lived at the zoo for more than 15 years after coming to Zoo Knoxville from Naples Zoo in 2011 when she was just 9 months old.
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“Pedzi was truly one of a kind, but what made her so special was the way she connected with others. She created unforgettable memories for the people she met. Wherever she went, people fell in love with her,” Zoo Knoxville wrote. “For more than 15 years, Pedzi brought laughter, joy and more than a little mischief to Zoo Knoxville. She was strong, independent, intelligent and endlessly charismatic. Most of all, she was deeply loved.”
Many zoo visitors may have met Pedzi while she served as one of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. She also joined the zoo on some visits outside of the zoo’s campus, including visiting WATE’s studio in 2023. Along with zoo staff, she helped many learn more about her species.
Zoo Knoxville added that things will not be the same without Pedzi, but they are grateful for every year, zoomie, belly rub and memory they were able to share with her.
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According to the Los Angeles Zoo, Cape porcupines like Pedzi have an average life span of 12 to 15 years, but they have been known to live up to 21 years…