Amarillo Wildfire Survivor Cinder the Porcupine Dies After Brave Fight

One of the most devastating wildfires in Texas history occurred in the Texas Panhandle in 2024.  Lives were lost, millions of heads of cattle died, and many wildlife creatures were killed or displaced.

The Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC) in Amarillo did its best to save many of these creatures. During the fires, a cute little porcupine with severe burns was brought to the center on March 9, 2024.

What Happened to Cinder The Porcupine After the Texas Panhandle Wildfires?

Burns were present on its feet and face, and its quills were singed.  They eventually gave her the name Cinder, which was fitting for when she was found.

How Cinder Became a Symbol of Hope

Cinder became the symbol of hope and strength.  She became the unofficial spokesperson for the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  People from all over the world followed Cinder's progress.  WWWRC had t-shirts, calendars, socks, and even stuffies made to raise funds for Cinder's care and for the organization. This Cinder stuffie traveled all over the country, bringing awareness.

Cinder had to wear socks in the healing process to help protect her burned feet. She was adorable wearing the different colors.

Read More: The Fascinating Wildlife Of Amarillo: A Closer Look At Urban Foxes

Why Did Cinder’s Condition Worsen in 2025?

Back in June 2025, the WWWRC said that Cinder had fallen and broken her leg and had to undergo surgery to fix the break. Being the fighter that she was, the team believed that she would pull through his break as well.

On Monday, July 7th, they noticed that she was in pain and found that she had other breaks. They stated that this was common in burn victims.

Survivors of severe burns can develop metabolic bone disease, which weakens the bones to the point where they become dangerously brittle. That’s what’s happened to her.

Unfortunately, on the evening of July 7th, the team had to say goodbye to this creature of hope and strength. She had stopped eating, and she was telling them that she was done. The team didn’t want her to endure more painful surgeries

They humanely euthanized Cinder, and she is now in a happy place running around free from pain. As you can tell from the video, the staff is heartbroken.

Let's remember Cinder.

How You Can Help Honor Cinder’s Memory

If you would like to donate to the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Cinder's memory, you can do so here.

Read More: Wildlife You'll Find In The Texas Panhandle