Celebrate World Porcupine Day with Penny, Ash & Willow at Hill City AquaZoo
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
There's no better way to celebrate World Porcupine Day than by meeting three of Hill City AquaZoo's most beloved animal ambassadors—Penny, Ash, and Willow!
Our trio of prehensile-tailed porcupines helps guests of all ages discover the amazing world of wildlife through hands-on education and unforgettable experiences. While you'll often spot Penny and Ash relaxing in their habitat, Willow stars in our popular Weekdays with Willow encounter, where guests can get even closer to this incredible species.
To celebrate World Porcupine Day, we're offering a special one-day discount on our Willow encounter!
World Porcupine Day Special
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Only $29.99 per group (Regularly $49.99)
This special encounter is available Monday through Friday throughout the year, but on World Porcupine Day you can enjoy it for just $29.99!
Meet Willow Up Close
During your encounter, you'll:
Hand-feed Willow her favorite treats.
Learn fascinating facts about prehensile-tailed porcupines from our ZooCrew.
Watch Willow use her incredible prehensile tail for climbing and balancing.
Take memorable photos with one of AquaZoo's most lovable residents.
Discover why porcupines are such important ambassadors for wildlife education and conservation.
This private encounter is available for up to four guests, with the option to add two additional guests in-store for $9.99 each (maximum of six guests).
As always, our encounters are completely voluntary for the animals. Willow chooses whether she'd like to participate, ensuring her comfort and well-being always come first.
Meet the Whole Porcupine Family
Hill City AquaZoo is home to three prehensile-tailed porcupines, each with their own unique personality:
🦔 Penny – Curious and always entertaining to watch.
🦔 Ash – Calm, observant, and a guest favorite.
🦔 Willow – Friendly, adventurous, and the star of our hands-on encounter experience.
Each porcupine has their own preferences and behaviors, reminding us that just like people, every animal has a unique personality!
Amazing Porcupine Facts
Did you know?
They're expert tree climbers. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they spend most of their lives high in the trees.
Their tail works like an extra hand. Their strong prehensile tail helps them grip branches, climb with ease, and balance as they move through the forest canopy.
They're actually rodents! Porcupines belong to the rodent family and have continuously growing teeth that help them chew bark, leaves, fruits, and other vegetation.
Baby porcupines are called porcupettes. Yes—that's really their name!
They can live over 20 years. With excellent care, prehensile-tailed porcupines often live more than two decades in human care.
Myth vs. Fact
One of the biggest myths about porcupines is that they can throw their quills.
Myth: Porcupines shoot their quills.
Fact: Porcupines cannot throw or shoot their quills. Instead, the quills detach only when something makes direct contact with them. The tiny barbs help the quills stay in place as a natural defense against predators.
It's one of our favorite myths to bust during Willow's encounter!
Listen to the AquaZoo Adventures Podcast for more interesting facts about Porcupines!
Celebrate With Us!
This special World Porcupine Day offer is available Thursday, July 2, 2026, only, making it the perfect time to experience one of AquaZoo's most popular premium encounters while saving $20.
Whether you're meeting Willow for the first time or stopping by to say hello to Penny and Ash, you'll leave with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for these amazing animals.
📍 Hill City AquaZoo
3405 Candlers Mountain Rd., Suite 680, Lynchburg, VA
While you're here, be sure to explore the rest of AquaZoo and enjoy our interactive exhibits, animal feedings, premium encounters, and educational experiences for all ages.
Never miss an adventure! Text AQUAZOO to (888) 691-7084 to receive updates on exclusive offers, events, and exciting zoo news.
