JR by jwiest
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Description
First I'll apologize that the photo isn't the best...it's certainly not as good as I wanted when I took it the other day.
This is JR, a North American Porcupine, and he's believed to be the oldest living Porcupine ever. I guess in the wild they only live 5-8 or 10 years or so and in captivity 'til 13-15 typically. He's 25! Which if you went with an average lifespan of a human being in the 80's works out to him being in his 160's!
I was pretty amazed when I heard that. He lives here in Sacramento at the Discovery Museum Science and Space Center. They're not actually sure when he was born for sure, just when he was turned in to the animal shelter in Texas where he was born('82). Hence the name (think about it...)
Being an old fella, he's got a touch of arthritis, along with cataracts. So once he ran out of fruit to eat during the show, he got a bit antsy. I'd have gotten a better shot, but being antsy the wasn't co-operating with his handler towards the end. That and I didn't really feel I could push through the kids to get a better one. This is actually cropped out of a bigger shot.
Really posting it more 'cause I was amazed at how old he was than anything else. May we all have long lives...though maybe not quite that long. I'm not sure I want to be around when I'm 160...at least I've got some time to think about it. LOL
John
(oh...for those of you still trying to figure out the name, especially those not familiar with American television of the 80's, JR was the lead character on Dallas.)
Comments (24)
He's adorable! So glad he has a good home! My daughter wants a miniature hedgehog.
GOOD Lord? How did he live that long? That's got to be something worth studying. That's a neat photo plus the story. What a critter.
Adorable and cute animal! Amazing story!
Sweet erland
It took me a long time till I could realize what kind of animal it was! What a cute and adorable shot you have posted here! Thanks so much!!!
Aww, he's precious!
25 wow!! i sure wouldnt want to be holding that one!!...wonderful capture!
Never seen something like that? ! g
Nice work!
I think you got a great shot of this amazing creature.
Dear John, That is really amazing!!! He's realyl cute looking but the quills would scare me to death!! I think I'd have to have gloves up to my shoulder and a blacksmith leather apron!!! I wonder which part of Texas he came from? I've seen a lot of animals here, but never a Porcupine - which is probably just as well!!! Super photo and a great story about him!! Hope he keeps on setting records!!! Love ya!!! Meredith
How cute !!!!!
He is so cute. Thanks for sharing and telling us about JR. I love it.
Nice shot!!!!!!!!
LOL JR!! what a great name.. really cute.. and what a cute little guy... incredible age.. i used to know a horse witch have died now.. but it stayed around until he was 38 yeas old.. funny how some animals just keep going like that.. ?
oh he is precious!!!!Love the name -hehe- awesome photo JOHN...MADE me smile........ty for that!!! big hugz anne
Very cute..great shot John and love his name!!
haha, I thought that was some kind of hippy when I glanced at you thumb. Cool shot. Great story. Thanks.
He is so cute, I am so glad you snapped a shot of him and sharing it with us....Shannon ;}
So cute John!!!
Interesting image and comments, watch those spines.
Beautiful animal, I would like to ask him what does he eats to live that long!!!! Xcellent John!!!
hehehe, such a cute image. he looks really cute. Lovely little cutie.
Thanks for sharing his story. :)