Writer: Michael Morain
Photo: Duane Tinkey
In the November elections, the candidates at the top of the ticket got most of the attention. But down the ballot — way down — there was another contentious race. Oscar the North American Porcupine won 74% of the votes to become mayor of Blank Park Zoo, sticking it to his two opponents, Deuce the lion and Kitsi the snow monkey. (The incumbent, Barnaby the tortoise, seemed content to retire. “He’s like 500 pounds and doesn’t like to walk,” zookeeper Julia Bingham said.)
Bill of Health: Oscar is 6 years old and weighs about 20 pounds. His finely tuned sense of smell compensates for his weak eyesight. Also, he is fragrant.
Official Residence: He lives in the veterinary building with the other animal ambassadors that visit schools and community events. In all, the ambassador team comprises about 50 species, including armadillos, chinchillas, geckos, tarantulas and laughing kookaburras. Oscar and the other porcupines don’t care much for housekeeping. “Our older male was loudly crying because his enclosure was being cleaned,” Bingham said.“It’s the males that have the high-pitched whine.”
Public Duties: Oscar travels off-site once or twice a week during the school year and more often during the summer.
Key Priorities: He raises awareness about natural habitats and the importance of adaptation. By way of example, he shows the protective orange enamel on his teeth and the thick quills under his fur. Although he can’t shoot them, as is commonly believed, their sharp barbs make life difficult for his predators and political rivals.
Integrity: The mayor is not easily influenced by favors, but it can be done. After he was awoken from his nap for a recent photo shoot, he was reluctant to leave his carrier and face the press. But his chief of staff enlisted help on her walkie-talkie: “Could you bring a few peanuts and almonds to the Waterfall Room? Apparently, we need a better bribe.”
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