Warthog Piglets Born at Zoo Atlanta
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Shirley’s latest little ones are heralds of spring
ATLANTA – April 8, 2010 – Has the pitter-patter of piglet feet become as beloved a sign of springtime in Atlanta as beautiful weather and daffodils? Yes, if the Farmer’s Almanac consults Zoo Atlanta’s veteran warthog parents Vern and Shirley. Four-year-old Shirley has given birth to her third litter, with five piglets (four girls and one boy) born late in the evening Wednesday, April 7. The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams continue to monitor the mother and her piglets closely.
“We are delighted about Shirley’s new piglets,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation. “Spring is an exciting season at Zoo Atlanta, and we look forward to Members and guests coming to visit the new litter.”
Currently, 11-month-old warthogs Lenny and Squiggy live separate from their parents who are housed in the Georgia Power sponsored warthog exhibit Kalahari Connections. Piglets are typically weaned by the time they are 6 months old; in the wild, older siblings may continue to reside with their mother until her next litter is born or longer. While wild warthog fathers tend to have little or no association with their young, 4-year-old Vern has proven himself to be an interested and dedicated parent.
Found throughout the savanna of eastern sub-Saharan Africa, warthogs are not currently endangered. Female warthogs usually give birth to one litter (average three to five piglets) after a five to six-month gestation.
Stay tuned for announcements on when Members and guests can see the newest members of the warthog family.
