1st Place: North American Porcupine (the Rat)
The course included a large river, which had strong currents that would make it difficult for smaller animals to cross. So the rat used its cunning to persuade the ox to hitch a ride across the river. Once they had crossed, the rat made a dash for the finish line and became the first animal in the lunar cycle.
Porcupines are actually also a species of rodent; the rodentia order encompasses many species including rats, porcupines, guinea pigs, squirrels, and beavers! One characteristic that rodents share is their strong front incisors that are constantly growing, which is why rodents need to chew!
Continue your journey at the Zebu exhibit.