A Farewell and Hello
Coming soon to the small mammal habitat adjacent to the Bug House!
Brandy and Pinnsvin, two prehensile-tailed porcupines, are moving into the small mammal habitat adjacent to the Bug House, and guests will get to meet them nose-to-nose.
The pair has lived behind-the-scenes at the Houston Zoo for several years, and before were a crowd favorite in the now-closed Natural Encounters. They’ll move in after red panda Willow relocates to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility in the coming weeks.
Willow’s move comes at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to ensure healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied populations of species in professional care. Willow has been the Zoo’s only red panda since her partner, Také, passed away last year. The Houston Zoo does not have plans to bring in additional red pandas at this time.
Willow moves at her own pace, unless blueberries or pear slices are involved. She’s mastered the art of the sassy look, whether she’s being asked to come down from her favorite perch or waiting for breakfast. She also has a gift for sticking her tongue out at exactly the right moment.
Prehensile-tailed porcupines are recognizable for their large, pale noses and short quills, and they’ve earned a following online for ASMR-worthy snacking sounds. Just wait until you hear them CRUNCH through a carrot.
Guests who want to say goodbye to Willow should stop by soon. Once she’s on her way, keepers will get to work transforming the habitat for Brandy and Pinnsvin. We’ll let you know when they’re ready for their close-up.
