Nolina the porcupine, known for morning walks at Oregon Zoo, turns 20

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – The Oregon Zoo’s elderly porcupine – known for taking walks around the park to visit other animals – is celebrating her 20th birthday on Monday.

Nolina the African cape porcupine wasn’t expected to survive past the age of 15, but has held on for five additional years. Zookeepers said her daily walks are what have kept her “looking sharp.”

“Her walks are shorter now, and she’s not as quick as she used to be, but she still gets around pretty well,” keeper Kristina McMahon said. “For her age, she’s doing amazing.”

Zookeepers say Nolina’s favorite snacks are corn on the cob, apples and sweet potatoes – which they use to motivate her through the park.

“On trips through the zoo’s indoor rainforest area, Nolina passes a two-toed sloth, piranhas, a slender-snouted crocodile and other animals,” zoo officials said. “Sometimes, she’ll venture out to visit the nearby flamingos.”

To wish Nolina a happy birthday, tickets are available on the Oregon Zoo website .

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the summer months.

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