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Location:

Africa Trail - across from warthogs and platform above Ruppell's Griffon Vultures

Red River Hog

  • Olive (F) 3/2014 

  • Pugsley (M) 5/2018


Identifying Features:

  • Olive has more black on her face. (pictured above on the left)

  • Pugsley is missing left ear tuft and has a white snout

Scroll down or click "Read More" for additional picture

History:

  • Arrived at Phx Zoo in Fall of 2023 for opening of new Predator Passage

  • Came from Kansas City Zoo

  • Mother and son.

More Information:

  • Found in western and central Africa close to the equator

  • Named for their reddish coats and fondness for water.

  • Also know as "tufted pigs"

  • The bold coloring on their faces helps them blend into their environment and avoid predators. Long whiskers, tufted ears and a mane that runs the length of the spine help them appear larger to predators or rival red river hogs.

  • They mark their territory, such as frequently used paths, using their tusks to gash tree trunks, using foot, neck, and preorbital glands around their eyes to leave scent marks.

  • Primarily nocturnal

  • Will follow chimpanzees in search of dropped fruit

  • Travel in small groups of 5-10

  • Fast runners and exceptionally good swimmers

  • Enjoy wallowing in muddy ponds and streams

  • Adults weigh from 100 to 265 pounds

Pugsley is on the left. Olive is on the right.

Photo posted on Facebook by W.J. Wheaton

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