The Greenville Zoo recently welcomed two male red river hogs, Jake and Mitchell.
These red river hogs originate from sub-Saharan <a href="https://abs<a href="https://absafricatv.com/dw-news-africa-with-eddy-micah-jr-16-july-2026-dw-com/” title=”DW News Africa with Eddy Micah Jr., 16 July 2026 – DW.com”>africatv.com/can-south-africa-become-africas-startup-capital/” title=”Can South Africa Become Africa's Startup Capital?”>Africa and are recognized by their distinctive reddish coats and tufted ears.
The zoo intends to establish a mixed-species habitat, showcasing these hogs alongside Aldabra tortoises.
This particular species is not classified as endangered; instead, it holds a conservation status of “least concern.”
These wild hogs, typically found in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, have now made their home at the Greenville Zoo, presenting a stark contrast to typical farm pigs.
“They’re very strong,” stated zookeeper Christine Dear. She characterized the red river hogs’ behavior of observing primate troops as “smart,” noting this practice involves waiting for other animals to drop food from trees in their natural habitat.
The new arrivals, Jake and Mitchell, are two males just over a year old, having transferred from a zoo in West Virginia. The Greenville Zoo intends to introduce them to its Aldabra tortoises, thereby forming a mixed-species exhibit where visitors can observe their interactions.
“They’re one of two species of giant tortoise in the Galapagos, so they’re going to have two little red river hog court mates,” Dear explained.
What is the appearance of red river hogs?
Red river hogs are generally smaller than Kunekune pigs and possess a very robust build. Dear characterized their snouts as “really cute,” noting how they wiggle while the hogs forage for food. These animals also utilize their snouts for digging items from the ground.
True to their name, red river hogs exhibit a reddish coloration. They are occasionally referred to as tufted pigs due to the distinctive tufts of white fur that emerge from the tips of their ears.
“They get their name red river hog just because of their red kind of dustyish color. And they have little white masks. They’re really cute,” Dear commented.
What are the key characteristics of the red river hog?
Red river hogs inhabit various environments across western and central Africa. Dear noted that these hogs typically remain near rainforests, favoring moist, dense settings such as savannas or forests. They have a fondness for water and are recognized as proficient swimmers. To accommodate this, a pool has been installed within Jake and Mitchell’s exhibit at the Greenville Zoo for their enjoyment.
“They (red river hogs) have been documented doing deep dives and basically just cooling off and enjoying water,” Dear stated.
Red river hogs exhibit peak activity during dawn and dusk, as these periods offer cooler temperatures. Conversely, during the warmer parts of the day, the hogs typically prefer to rest.
Is the red river hog species endangered?
Regarding the species’ conservation status, Dear responded, “They are of least concern right now,” adding that their population currently faces no significant threats.
The reception of the red river hogs at the Greenville Zoo has been largely positive.
Interaction among Greenville Zoo visitors regarding the hogs has been favorable to date.
“They’re a very engaging species just as far as their activities, and their faces. I’m sorry, but their faces are adorable,” she remarked.
Jake and Mitchell each possess distinct personalities, with Jake displaying a more prominent character than his counterpart.
“He’s also a little bit bigger than Mitchell, so you can kind of tell him apart that way. Mitchell’s a little more cautious, a little more ‘Ok, I’m going to get to know the situations,’ whereas Jake just runs into the room and says, ‘Hey, feed me, ‘” Dear elaborated.
Information on visiting Jake and Mitchell at the Greenville Zoo.
To observe Jake and Mitchell, visitors can go to the Greenville Zoo, located at 150 Cleveland Park Drive in Greenville. The zoo operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
