Piglets hog the limelight at ZSL London Zoo
Friday 24 August 2007
The pitter patter of tiny trotters can be heard at ZSL London Zoo this bank holiday, after the long awaited arrival of twin red river hoglets.
© ZSL
The two little piggies are already trotting around their enclosure snuffling for food, and exploring their new home.
The porky pair love giving proud parents Salvador and Bahiti the runaround - but dad Salvador is always happy to give them a snout in the right direction.
The piglets are currently reddy brown in colour with cream spots and stripes which act as excellent camouflage for the youngsters. In around two months these markings will fade and the piglets will develop the distinctive red, brown and white coat which inspires their name.
Hog facts
- Red river hogs, or Potamochoerus porcus inhabit the forests and swamps of west and central Africa. Most active at night, they can often be found rooting for tubers with their upturned snouts. They typically feed on grasses and fruit. Our own hogs enjoy a diet of carrots, apples, bananas and pig pellet.
- The upper tusks are relatively small and almost invisible, while the lower ones are razor sharp and grow 7 cm / 3 inches long.
- Gestation Period: 120-127 days.
- Life span: 20 years.
- Family group: Sounders of 2-15 females and young attended by a male.
- Diet: Grasses, water plants, roots, bulbs, fruit, carrion, small animals.
- Main Predators: Humans, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, python.
