Adorable footage has been released of a Kent safari park’s latest arrival – a tiny porcupette.
The baby porcupine is Port Lympne Safari’s Park newest addition and the second offspring for dad Tiombe and mum Umlilo.
Pictures and footage released by The Aspinall Foundation show the youngster full of energy in his den at the site near Hythe.
Keepers have only just confirmed the sex of the porcupette to be a boy, with a name yet to be announced.
However, bosses say guests can now watch the family up close for the first time when they visit the park.
The baby, born on April 2, saw his dad Tiombe join the Port Lympne family in July 2023, while mum Umlilo arrived five months later.
It’s the pair’s second baby following the arrival of a girl in December.
Normally, porcupines have only one litter per year – consisting of one to three offspring – making this second arrival somewhat of an unexpected surprise for keepers.
The animal care team says the baby, and the rest of the family, are doing well.
As nocturnal creatures, porcupines tend to be less active during the day before becoming more lively during the afternoon.
According to the National Geographic, the herbivores often live to between five and seven years old, during which time they can weigh up to 35 pounds and be between 33 to 46 inches long, including their tail.
Meanwhile, Port Lympne has also announced a new arrival to its Przewalski horse herd – a little filly born on Saturday (May 10) to mum, Ganzaya.
