Nashville Zoo is thrilled to share the news of the birth of four red river hog piglets, marking a significant addition to their animal family. On April 11, Truffles and Wilbur, the piglets’ parents, welcomed one male and three female piglets into the world. The zoo staff has affectionately named them Fig, Peach, Persimmon, and Clementine. This event is particularly special as it represents the first litter of red river hog piglets born at Nashville Zoo, increasing the total number of this species under their care to seven.
The birth of these piglets was eagerly anticipated by the Zoo’s hoofstock and veterinary teams, who have been meticulously monitoring Truffles throughout her first pregnancy. Morgan Fontenot, a hoofstock keeper at the Zoo, highlighted the proactive measures taken to ensure a successful pregnancy, including frequent ultrasounds to monitor the piglets’ health. The teams’ dedication has paid off, with all piglets reported to be strong, healthy, and bonding well with their mother behind the scenes. They will remain off-display until they are ready to be introduced to the public.
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Red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) are known for their distinctive red coats and are native to the rainforests of west and central Africa. These omnivorous animals have a varied diet that includes roots, fruits, seeds, nuts, and small animals. They are a social species, often living in groups, which highlights the importance of the communal living arrangements facilitated by the Zoo.
Although red river hogs are not currently classified as endangered, their habitats and well-being are threatened by environmental changes and human activities. In response, Nashville Zoo collaborates with various organizations to support wildlife conservation and habitat protection efforts in Africa. Among these are Save Giraffes Now and Vulpro, which focus on giraffe conservation and the restoration of African vulture populations, respectively.
Nashville Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of animal care. It plays a significant role in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives both locally and internationally. Supported by the Nashville community, donors, and sponsors, the Zoo has become a leading destination in Middle Tennessee, attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually.
For more information about the Nashville Zoo and its conservation efforts, visit [nashvillezoo.org](https://www.nashvillezoo.org/).
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