Pink slips for the porcupines

These are tough times for everyone, including animals.

Officials at the Bronx Zoo are running short on cash, so they’ve begun layoffs – animal layoffs. Four major exhibits will be shuttered to make up for the $15 million budget shortfall. The soon-to-be-homeless animals will be spread out among other zoos and aquariums throughout the country. Affected animals include bats, porcupines, lemurs and antelopes, among others. Altogether, hundreds of animals will be shipped off permanently.

Word has it that won’t be the case here in Oklahoma City.

“This is not the situation at our zoo,” said Tara Henson, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City Zoo. “Fortunately and thankfully, we are not faced with this challenge.”

So, African-crested porcupine family, you guys can stay.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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