The Akron Zoo is sad to share the passing of its North American porcupine, Forest. Forest passed away after a brief illness, despite efforts from his care team. Necropsy, which is an animal autopsy, results indicated acute severe intestinal disease. 

Forest was born on April 2, 2013, and he came to live at the Akron Zoo when he was just six weeks old. At 13 years old, Forest was elderly, with the median life expectancy for North American porcupines being seven years, one month. 

Forest was an animal ambassador, meaning he was not on habitat, but rather traveled outside of the zoo on programs at schools, libraries, etc. He also did animal encounters at the zoo for education programs, events and guest experiences and he was very popular with guests.  

“Forest was a wonderful ambassador for the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. “When guests of all ages were able to make a connection with Forest, through an education program or an encounter, he embodied the zoo’s mission of inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action.”

“He was an amazing animal to work with,” said Debra Swank, animal ambassador supervisor at the Akron Zoo. “Forest excelled at training and he loved to interact with guests, especially if it meant getting a snack. He definitely left his mark wherever he went with his unique porcupine smell. We will miss him a lot.”