Porcupines have been a staple at Science North since it opened over 30 years ago, but the facility has been without this type of animal since November 2016.

Maple has changed that. The young female porcupine is Science North's latest animal ambassador.

Maple, named in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, was born and raised at the Zoo Sauvage de St-Félicien in St-Félicien, Quebec.

She becomes the third porcupine that has called the building home.

"Ralph lived here for almost two decades. He was a very old porcupine when he passed away, way past what we would have expected him to live," said Julie Moskalyk, Science North science director.

"So, shortly after that, we were lucky to be able to have Quillan join us and so Quillan was our next porcupine and he lived here for 14 years."

Maple will join the other animal ambassadors at the centre; which aim to inspire visitors to protect species and spaces.

Scientists at Science North say there are a number of reasons why all of their animals can't be released back into the wild.

"A lot of our animals are injured in the wild and can't be rehabilitated released such as drifter our older beaver, he's missing half his tail," said Meghan Mitchell, a staff scientist.

On average, porcupines live for 15 years; Maple may live even longer due to the care she receives in captivity.