The Education Department Reads Children’s Books to Porcupines!
Yes, you read that right! You might be wondering why we do this, and the answer is simple: for the soothing effects and the beautiful, calming pictures, of course!
Our education team is gradually preparing the porcupines for off-site animal presentations, which are an essential part of our mission to engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of Alaska’s wildlife. These presentations provide a unique opportunity for people to connect with the animals on a more personal level, allowing them to see and learn about these incredible creatures up close.
To ensure the porcupines are comfortable with their new role, we began with kennel acclimation. This allows the animals to get used to the process of traveling, which is important for minimizing stress during transport. The goal is to help them feel relaxed and at ease when they need to travel to different locations. Along with this, we’ve been conducting presentation training, where we guide the porcupines through a series of behaviors that will be needed during the presentations. This training ensures that when the time comes, they will respond to cues, making them reliable participants in the presentations.
Twix and Heath are both progressing toward the goal of participating in off-site presentations, which will take them to schools, and other locations around the area. These interactions will provide an opportunity for students and employees alike to learn more about porcupines and their role in the ecosystem. Meanwhile, Baby Ruth is working towards participating in on-site presentations at AWCC, where school groups and other visitors will get to observe and interact with the porcupines in a more intimate setting.
“Our ability to bring the porcupines to people in their own environments greatly expands our outreach efforts. By going off-site, we can engage with a wider audience and provide more opportunities for people to learn about porcupines and other wildlife native to Alaska. At the same time, this process is incredibly enriching for the porcupines themselves. Experiencing new environments and learning new skills enhances their overall well-being and provides them with mental stimulation and enrichment.”
– Natalie Sawley, Naturalist/Education Specialist
This multi-faceted approach—combining travel and presentation training—helps ensure the porcupines’ comfort and well-being while also expanding the reach of our educational programs. We believe that by offering people a chance to connect with these animals in meaningful ways, we can build a greater appreciation for Alaska’s wildlife and the importance of preserving their habitats.