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A prickly Christmas gift

By Staff
Posted 6:35AM on Friday 27th December 2013 ( 10 years ago )
CLEVELAND - While doing a routine animal check during an exceptionally freezing morning at North Georgia Zoo & Farm in Cleveland, zookeeper Justin Eckelberry caught glimpse of tiny movement within the African Crested Porcupine exhibit.

Moving in closer, he realized it was a brand new baby porcupine.

With that morning being exceptionally cold and the forecast calling for even more cold weather, the concern was the baby would not be able to stay warm enough. The decision was made to bring the tiny bundle of quills into the zoo nursery to ensure the survival of this little adorable Christmas porcupine.

Rose, as she is fondly called by her caretaker, is loving a life of luxury and
even gets to wear specially made sweaters to keep her extra warm. The name Rose was chosen as a play on terms since roses have thorns, yet roses are beautiful and precious - just like Rose has quills but is beautiful, loving and precious. She loves to give kisses and snuggle up with her human surrogate mom, Shauna Smith. Interns and keepers at North Georgia Zoo are all feeling especially blessed with this new little bundle of joy that loves running around the zoo nursery playing follow the leader with any human that comes near and where she gets lots of attention, love and treats.

Rose will be making special appearances during Open Days after Christmas and for the Winter Wonderland Tours.

To follow her adventures or to learn more about North Georgia Zoo, visit the website at www.myfavoritezoo.com or go to the Facebook page. www.facebook.com/NorthGeorgiaZoo.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/12/269234

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