Seems like just yesterday that the Central Park Zoo polar bears were opening Christmas gifts (video), but 2009 is proving to be a monetarily tough one for not just humans, but animals too. Last week Gov. Paterson's budget proposal was unveiled and included major cutbacks for zoos, aquariums, and even the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. So it shouldn't have come as too much of a shock to the Bronx Zoo porcupine when he was let go:

As of yet, there have been no comments from the porcupine's neighbors at the Zoo: the horned owl, bobcat, wolverine, fisher and black bear. However, before any of them are sent to the unemployment office, you can do something to help. The WCS is asking for New Yorkers to help save the animals during the severe budget cuts, noting that Gov. Paterson's proposal will affect 75 "living museums throughout New York that serve a vital role in our state’s environmental agenda and pump millions of dollars into our economy." They've set up a petition online where you can help take action.