Animal Arrivals

Hey, Attention Hogs!

The Virginia Zoo’s red river hog sounder, or group, is growing by two this summer. Mrembo and Tikiti, both females, joined the Zoo last month.

The pair were born in April 2017 at the San Diego Safari Park and arrived at the Virginia Zoo at the beginning of May. After they completed a routine quarantine period, they are now gradually being introduced to their new exhibit in the Africa – Okavango Delta, and soon their new exhibit mate, Oboi. Oboi is the Zoo’s 12-year-old male red river hog who arrived at the Virginia Zoo from the San Diego Zoo in 2012.

“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,” Bockheim added.

The trio have been brought together by a breeding recommendation from the Association for Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program®, which oversees and manages species’ population in zoos by pairing individuals and monitoring breeding to maximize genetic diversity and long-term sustainability of populations.

In honor of the girls’ arrival, the Zoo will be selling a special Zoodoption package. You can symbolically adopt the Zoo’s red river hog sounder for $50. The package includes a personalized Zoodoption certificate, fact sheet, photo and frame, and a 12” red river hog plush.

Visit virginiazoo.org/zoodoptions  to purchase yours today. Proceeds from the Zoodoptions will benefit the Zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives.