Potamochoerus Porcus

Red River hogs are very social animals! These wild hogs are also known as bush pigs, and are one of the most colorful members of the pig family. They live near water in march and swamp areas of the rainforest in family groups of 4-20 animals. As omnivores they eat the roots of plants, fruits, eggs, lizards, insects and dead animals. They are good swimmers and make a variety of vocalizations including grunts, squeals, and roars. Most of the animals in the African area of the zoo are from the grassland savanna of the Kalahari Desert. Our Red River hogs are from the Congo River Basin, the second largest rainforest in the world.

Fun Facts

• Red river hogs are often active during the day, but are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular.
• Red river hogs are the smallest of the African pigs on average, growing to 40 to 50 inches in length and weighing 100 to 285 pounds.
• Like most wild pigs, red river hogs use their snout to burrow for food, using both their sense of touch and smell.
• If startled, red river hog piglets will ‘possum’ or ‘play dead’, but as they get older they tend to just run away.
• Red river hogs typically live in groups of six to 20 members, led by a dominant boar or male.