http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_rkkkqb45xu0vlr21tq0xv055_16cdbf3d-6605-49f6-bc5b-74ddbba6dbf4_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:01:06 GMT 15 By Adam Stern
Within the dense bush lands of Africa on the outskirts of the African prairie where danger lurks are the Red River Hogs also known as Bush Pigs, these are one of the most peculiar species inside of the NC Zoo. Zookeeper Urbanski keeper of these wild hogs here at the NC Zoo is very helpful and knowledgeable about these hogs of the river. They are a species that live in various different parts of the diverse African landscape. The exhibit inside of the Zoo is located near the ZOG (Zebra, Ostrich, and Giraffe) exhibit and is staged as if it were a dried-up river bed with many bushes scattered throughout it. Red River Hogs grow to weigh up to 200 lbs. In the wild the Hogs live in herds of 6-20, and are led by the alpha Boar, which is considered the strongest. They eat grass, berries, roots, and insects. The distinction between males and females is that of the male being larger than the female sow, and also the male has noticeable humps and lumps on both sides of his muzzle. The diets of the Hogs are mainly omnivorous which means it will eat both meat and fruits and vegetation. Their favorite food is mainly grass vegetation and insects. Hogs do better when living on softer grounds near river beds so they can utilize their large rough spiked snout to loosen the earth to eat root systems or force out insects which make up the bulk of their diet. One interesting fact about the hogs is that they are mostly nocturnal. During the day they find bushes to sleep and rest in. After sunset the troop roams the countryside searching rapidly for any type of food. The zoo’s hog exhibit does a very nice job integrating the African River bed look, and it is very realistic. Having such an accurate exhibit makes it easier on the animals; it allows them to be, in a sense, in their natural habitat.   ]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:07:39 GMT