In the African Rainforest Pavilion, the shared meerkat and porcupine habitat had limited space and habitat complexity due to old ductwork, outdated enrichment, and low guest engagement.

Mr. P, the Porcupine, had a tendency to avoid people, which restricted training, husbandry behaviours, and overall animal well-being.

We addressed these challenges with a full habitat refresh that increased space, complexity, and opportunities for animals, Guardians, volunteers and guests. Relocating old ductwork also opened valuable room for movement and natural behaviours.

New hanging plants and a central tree added visual depth. Enrichment was upgraded: Mr. P received a cooling hide, and the meerkats gained new burrowing tubes, hanging enrichment points, and a faux termite mound.

To improve guest experience and help Mr. P feel more comfortable, we built a training wall that supports safe husbandry work and meaningful guest interactions. We also installed overnight cameras to track Mr. P’s activity and guide personalized enrichment.

This project created a more spacious, complex, and enriching habitat that supports natural behaviours for both species. Mr. P now engages comfortably in training behind the new wall, improving husbandry and reducing stress.

The meerkats show increased digging and foraging. Guest interactions are also more meaningful, and allow Wildlife Care staff to further demonstrate the care provided to the 3,000+ animals in our care. The combined improvements to space use, enrichment, training, and engagement make this a standout welfare win for 2025.