(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo is welcoming two red river hogs. The animals are native to Africa, are rust-colored with a white stripe down the back. Zookeepers say the hogs most favorite past-time is to wallow in the mud to stay cool. It's hope the pair, named Shallot and Truffle will breed and have piglets.
Zookeepers say Shallot, the male, is three years-old, and has warts on his muzzle. Truffle, the 10 year-old female, does not.
Details about red river hogs:
Size: 40-50 inches long
Weight: 100-285 pounds
Habitat: Dense vegetation found in rainforests, swamps, steppes and savannas
Range: Western and Central Africa
Median Life Expectancy: 15.3 years
Diet,Wild: roots, fruit, seeds, crops, grass, nuts, insects, bird eggs, reptiles, carrion, and domestic animals
Diet, Zoo: special formulated grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts, bugs, eggs, hay and alfalfa.
Reproduction: Gestation is about four months, average of three – four piglets are born. Males and Females co-parent.
Threats: Main predators are leopards and humans. Poached for meat and seen as agricultural pest.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
(Photos from Des Moines Blank Park Zoo)