Over 100 porcupine quills pulled from tiger at Calgary Zoo
Posted Sep 2, 2021 8:47 pm.
CALGARY — It was a painful lesson, but one that taught Sarma, the Calgary Zoo’s Amur tiger, the power of the porcupine.
Sarma encountered the porcupine that found its way into the tiger habitat.
As the tiger approached the large, quilled rodent, it was hit by dozens of quills as the porcupine escaped to safety.
(2/4) Using its best defense mechanism – its quills – the porcupine escaped to safety but Sarma was left with a painful reminder of the encounter. #AnimalWelfare pic.twitter.com/MZdsEs7wIm
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) September 2, 2021
The zoo’s veterinary team removed over 100 quills from Sarma’s paws and inspected her whole body to ensure every quill had been removed.
The zoo says Sarma has recovered well from her procedure, and can now be seen walking gingerly as she heals.
(4/4) Sarma recovered well from the procedure and can be seen in her outdoor habitat, walking gingerly as she heals. Thanks to exceptional care from our ACHW team, Sarma is well on her way to a full recovery! #AnimalWelfare pic.twitter.com/pq8OUn8ODV
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) September 2, 2021
