First red river hoglets born at Marwell Zoo
The twins were born last weekend
Last updated 12th Aug 2022
Marwell Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its first ever red river hoglets.
The twins, who are yet to be named, were born to mother Lisla and father Kermit on Sunday 7 August and are already exploring their enclosure between naps.
Red river hoglets have more vivid markings than their adult counterparts and in the wild, the rows of pale yellow spots would help them camouflage in long grass to avoid being seen by predators.
Gestation lasts around four-months and young are up and on their feet within a few hours of being born.
Ian Goodwin, Animal Collection Manager (hoofstock and carnivores), said: “Red river hogs are a species not held at Marwell before.
“It was great to bring these inquisitive animals in to diversify our collection, and, as a bonus they have gone and produced these piglets which is a great bonus for Marwell and the species.”
Did you know?
• Female Red River Hogs are called sounds and males are called Sounder
• Hoglets fully wean onto solid food in around four months
• Natural predators for red river hogs include leopards, lions, spotted hyena and pythons
Red river hogs are native to the West and Central African rainforest and are listed on the IUCN Red List as being of least concern although populations are declining in the wild.
When fully grown, adults weigh anywhere between 45 and 115kg making them the smallest and most colourful of all the African wild pigs.
Conservation charity Marwell Wildlife, who received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development in July, owns and operates the zoo.
Marwell offers visitors the chance to get up close to amazing members of the animal kingdom, from Amur tigers to towering Rothschild’s giraffes.