There’s a new face at the Franklin Park Zoo that will delight visitors. On July 14, a red river hog named Artemis gave birth to a small watermelon-patterned piglet. Three piglets were born but sadly the other two did not survive. The remaining female piglet has been doing well and is being taken care of by her mom. She’s already curious about her mom’s food but she’s not yet ready to eat solid food.
“We’re really thrilled about this birth, which is a first for this species here at Franklin Park Zoo. Now that the little one has made her exhibit debut, it’s a wonderful opportunity for guests to observe her exploring with mom. Artemis is doing great and being a very attentive mother. This is her first litter, and she has been perfect!” said assistant curator Christine Bartos.
Franklin Park Zoo is part of the Red River Hog Species Survival Plan or SSP. This program helps to ensure the survival of endangered animal species in zoos and aquariums. The birth is the result of a pairing between the piglet’s parents Artemis and Tamu.
Red river hogs are native to West and Central Africa. Usually found in forests and swamps, they live in groups and are usually composed of three to sixteen hogs ranging from two to fifteen young females and one adult male. Their food can range from grasses to fruits, and to even small mammals and reptiles.