The mating game is always an unknown entity in nature. Some animals bond immediately but others show absolutely no interest in a potential partner.

And when it comes to animal introductions at Cotswold Wildlife Park, despite the best efforts from keepers to create the perfect environment, there are no guarantees.

Thankfully, in the case of a rather prickly introduction between two porcupines, things couldn’t have gone smoother.

All expectations were exceeded when two-year-old Hannah arrived from the Czech Republic last September and was paired with the Park’s breeding male – a Cape porcupine called Prickle.

Park Keeper Estelle Morgan said: “As soon as Hannah was introduced into the enclosure, they immediately began grooming each other and establishing their monogamous pair-bond. They were sleeping side by side from day one and were seen mating not long after”.

Hopeful that the new pair would one day produce their first litter, keepers were slightly surprised to discover two tiny new arrivals during their early morning checks last week.

“Hannah gave birth overnight and I found the babies running and squeaking at each other in the morning,” continued Estelle.

“On the first checks, both adults were asleep with the porcupettes tucked underneath them so they weren’t discovered until I went into the enclosure to clean and feed them.

“I suspected Hannah might be pregnant as we had observed them mating frequently but we didn’t expect them to be born quite so soon! We have sexed the twins and they’re both boys”.

It is only the second time in the Park’s 49-year history this species has successfully bred. The babies, also known as porcupettes, are on show in the enclosure they share with a group of inquisitive Dwarf Mongooses.

Five-year-old Prickle (also the collective noun for a group of porcupines) and first-time mother Hannah are proving to be formidable parents.

The babies are perfect miniature versions of the adults, even born with their own full set of quills.

Curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, Jamie Craig, said: “Baby porcupines are incredibly popular with our visitors – essentially miniature replicas of their parents.

“We are always delighted with these additions to the animal collection and it is great to watch them exploring their exhibit with the same feisty attitude as the adults”.

As well as the porcupettes, the Park is also delighted to announce even more new arrivals, including a Kirk’s dik-dik calf, named Noodle by her keepers.

Parma wallaby joeys have started to venture out from their mothers’ pouches and explore their woodland home by the lake area and there has also been the birth of adorable emperor tamarin twins.

And to finish off the spring baby boom, the park’s breeding ostrich pair recently produced three chicks.

For more information on Cotswold Wildlife park visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk