Animal Shelter in Vösendorf Hosts Two Porcupines

According to a statement from Tierschutz Austria on Wednesday, these animals have an eventful history: One porcupine was discovered as a stray and was presumably abandoned. The other was confiscated by the authorities because it was imported without valid papers.

Animal Shelter in Vösendorf Enables Species-Appropriate Life for Porcupines

"The keeping of such animals is booming, and with it, illegal trade is also increasing," said Stephan Scheidl from Tierschutz Austria. "Many animals suffer from poor living conditions or are improperly cared for out of ignorance. In our facilities, we do everything we can to enable them to live a species-appropriate life." The fact that the two spiky stars already get along well and can be kept together shows the success of the loving and expert care of the team.

According to the animal protectors, porcupines originally come from Eurasia and Africa and are now also spread in parts of Italy and Sicily. They can live up to 20 years and weigh up to 18 kilograms. Their diet mainly consists of roots, tubers, branches, bark, and buds, and occasionally they eat fruits. The rodents thus play an important role in the ecosystem by contributing to the spread of plant seeds and influencing soil life.

More and More Exotics in the Animal Shelter in Vösendorf

The organization pointed out in this context that more and more wild animals with special care requirements are ending up in the animal shelter of Tierschutz Austria because they are either rescued from poor conditions or confiscated by the authorities. In recent weeks, they have taken in monkeys, snakes, turtles, and most recently, porcupines. Tierschutz Austria therefore appealed to thoroughly inform oneself before acquiring such an animal and to ensure legal and species-appropriate living conditions.

(APA/Red)

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