~ by Mike Graeber
A word that strikes fear into dog owners everywhere. If you own dogs and live in a rural location anywhere in North America, there is a good chance that you and your dog have had a porcupine encounter. The bad news is that porcupines are here in Costa Rica as well.
If you would like to see a Costa Rican porcupine, come to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary and meet Blossom, our resident Mexican hairy dwarf porcupine!
Blossom came to me about three years ago as a two-week-old orphan. She was found on the ground, separated from her mother, and then taken to MINAE officials, who then brought her to the sanctuary.
When I first saw her, she was no bigger than four inches long and still had both eyes closed. She was not moving and appeared not to be alive at all. I put her on a heating pad and she started to move. At that point began the struggle to save this little creature, and after consulting with vets at the San Diego Zoo, she started on a diet of goat milk mixed with banana.
Blossom prospered on this rich formula and was soon growing and gaining weight daily. She is now a healthy and happy adult, and the big surprise is that she is also a very sweet and affectionate creature.
Blossom has had two chances to return to the wild, but has come back to the sanctuary both times. The first time, she was released about a mile and a half away from the sanctuary.
Seven days later, 10:30 at night, I was in my apartment watching TV with the door open, and in walked Blossom! If you would like to meet this special little creature, come to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary; if you are lucky, you may have a Blossom sighting!
Always remember that when wild animals in trouble are found, call us; we can help!
INFO: Mike Graeber – mikegraeber@hotmail.com
