Old World and New World porcupines are increasingly kept in zoos and as exotic pets. Their welfare needs as largely solitary, nocturnal foragers require specific environmental management.
Porcupines are nocturnal foragers that travel considerable distances in search of bark, roots, and vegetation. Daytime exhibit viewing misses their natural activity period. Solitary housing is appropriate for most species; forced proximity creates welfare harms. Foraging enrichment buried in substrate engages their natural food-finding behaviour. Zoos holding porcupines should provide appropriate nocturnal access and substrate complexity.