NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Zoo welcomed a sounder, or group, of red river hogs in May.
Two females, Mrembo and Tikiti, joined the Zoo last month.
The zoo said the pair were born in April 2017 at the Diego Safari Park, and they made their way to the Virginia Zoo at the beginning of May.
Mrembo and Tikiti completed a routine quarantine period, they are now gradually being introduced to their new exhibit in the Africa – Okavango Delta.
The pair are also slowly being introduced to their new exhibit mate, 12-year-old Oboi. Oboi has been at the Virginia Zoo since 2012. He also came from the San Diego Zoo.
“Red river hogs are a funny and lovable animal,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “We are pleased to participate in this breeding program for this species and look forward to seeing how the girls get along with Oboi.”
The three red river hogs have been brought together by a breeding recommendation from the Association for Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program. This program oversees and manages the species’ population in zoos by pairing individuals and monitoring breeding to maximize genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of populations.
Red River Hogs are usually found in West and Central African rainforest belts, according to the zoo. They are also fond of company, and they usually travel in groups of 7 to 10.
In honor of Mrembo and Tikiti's arrival, the Virginia Zoo is selling a special Zoodoption package. Guests can symbolically adopt the Zoo’s red river hog sounder, group, for $50. The package includes a personalized Zoodoption certificate, fact sheet, photo and frame, and a 12” red river hog plush.
Click here to learn more about the Virginia Zoo.
