The red river hog piggy is the lonely survivor of mama hog Artemis ’s first litter and is also the first birth of its kind at the Franklin Park Zoo .
Many fauna lovers associate springtime with baby beast births , but summer brought a special Modern addition to theFranklin Park Zooin Boston . On July 31 , the zoo ’s red river hog name Artemis gave birth to a litter of three shote . woefully , only one of the three babies survived . But the stay baby piglet made her showing debut on August 14 , no doubt a cause for celebration .
Baby brute are endearing on their own , but this shote is especially endearing thanks to the gorgeous watermelon convention on her fresh baby coat .
Courtesy of Zoo New England
Despite the inauspicious passing of her two siblings , Franklin Park Zoo account that the baby piglet is presently healthy andnursing from her female parent . Apress releasefrom the zoological garden states that the tiny female person is already showing an interest in mom ’s diet of grass , roots , and light bulb , though zoo staff tell she ’s not quite ready for substantial solid food just yet .
" We ’re really thrilled about this birth , which is a first for this species here at Franklin Park Zoo , " Assistant Curator Christine Bartos say in a statement . " Artemis is doing great and being a very paying attention female parent . "
Beyond being the menagerie ’s first red river hog birthing , the baby is also Artemis ’s first child . It ’s peculiarly exciting newsworthiness given the menagerie ’s investment funds in the longevity of the metal money , which can be found across west and central Africa in their native habitat .
Zoo New England , which admit both the Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in nearby Stoneham , Mass. , is a partner in theRed River Hog Species Survival Plan , an inter - zoo program coordinated through the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums . Species Survival program ( also eff as SSPs ) subroutine to protectendangered or peril speciesin zoos and aquariums while also aiding theirconservation in the state of nature .
The Red River Hog SSP recommend a pairing between Artemis and fellow hog Tamu , making the piglet ’s birth a particular success .
" Now that the small one has made her showing debut , it ’s a wonderful opportunity for guests to observe her exploring with mom , " Bartos says .
If you ’re local to the Boston area , visitors can watch the adorable piglet and mama Artemis at Franklin Park Zoo every day except Sundays . If you ’re lucky to get close enough , you could even see the Citrullus vulgaris pattern on the piglet ’s skin !
