Not your tyPIGal meal

Oboi, the Zoo’s red river hog turns 12 today! In honor his birthday and St. Patrick’s Day, the chefs at the Diet Kitchen were inspired to make Green Eggs and Ham. We know what you’re thinking, isn’t it weird to feed a hog, ham? But have no fear, our ham is vegetarian! Read on to find out more about what red river hogs eat – and just what makes up Oboi’s birthday breakfast.

Red river hogs are omnivorous, meaning they eat anything from grasses and roots to insects and other invertebrates. Here at the Zoo, Oboi receives about three pounds of grain per day, ¾ pounds of vegetables and about 4 ounces of fruit per day. Oboi also receives hardboiled eggs for enrichment, which he loves. Red river hogs have a good sense of smell and a strong jaw for cracking nuts and roots.

GREEN EGGS AND HAM

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 slices sweet potato
  • 1 egg
  • alfalfa

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Poach the egg with green food coloring in the water.

Step 2: Peel the zucchini and cucumber. Use a spiralizer to make the noodles.

Step 3: Slice the sweet potato and boil it until just softened. Add in green food coloring.

Step 4: Mix your veggies and top with the egg. Garnish with alfalfa and serve to your nearest hog!