TAMPA, Fla. — Have you ever seen a Prehensile Tailed Porcupine trying to open a tiny Christmas present?

It’s a pretty specific question, but that’s something you can experience at Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Charlotte is the name of the porcupine who lives in trees with the tail that can hold her upside down, along with usual porcupine trappings—about 5000 quills.


What You Need To Know

  • Christmas in The Wild continues on select nights through December 30

  • Wallaroo Station is where little elves enjoy a DJ Party and grown-ups, alcohol

  • Handlers like Roni Allen spents years getting to know animals they work with

  • Charlotte is a Prehinsile Tailed Porcupine-- tail acts like a fifth limb

Charlotte’s handler is Roni Allen and the duo is gearing up for their Christmas in the Wild animal encounters.

It's one of several experiences at the event, including entertainment, a Santa sighting, a massive amount of twinkling lights and sweet treats.

Allen will sit Charlotte on a perch of winding limbs about chest high—all to mimic their favorite setting – the trees.

Charlotte trades an action for a treat.

For example, Charlotte will raise her snout (like a little mini-manatee face with quills) and touch this training tool Allen is holding a little in front of her face.

It’s a clear pointer with a little ball attached to the tip. She reaches up, touches it and gets a treat. They know each other.

An arboreal mammal, hanging out with the mammals who also used to live in the trees.

“It’s such a joy to work with them,” said Allen of the animals. “We build strong bonds and strong relationships with all of the animals that we take care on a daily basis. We basically call them family.”

The goal— to inspire guests to love the world’s wildlife and help keep them alive. Ever since she can remember, Allen wanted to work with animals.

And now every child she amazes and introduces to Charlotte is one more potential advocate for animal conservation.  

“It’s a huge role, to not only inspire our public, but to learn each and every day about these animals and what we can do to protect their species in the wild,” Allen said, smiling at Charlotte, living the animal ambassador life.

Not only that, but Allen gets to tell everyone about Charlotte’s favorite foods.

After three years of bonding—it’s squash with peanut butter.

And also any nut – Brazil nuts, pecans, or, you guessed it—peanuts!

At Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa, it’s a time for Charlotte and Allen to shine.