The warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus is a tough, sturdy animal. Males weigh 9 to 23 kilograms more than females, but both are distinguished by disproportionately large heads and “warts” — thick protective pads that appear on both sides of the head. Their large tusks are unusual: the two upper tusks emerge from the sides of the snout to form a semicircle; the lower tusks, at the base of the uppers, are worn to a sharp-cutting edge. Sparse bristles cover their body, and longer bristles form a mane from the top of the head down the spine to the middle of the back. Their long tail ends with a tuft of bristles. Warthogs characteristically carry their tails upright when they run, the tuft waving like a tiny flag. Warthogs are sparsely haired wild pigs found across sub-Saharan Africa. These unique animals have large heads and bodies with short legs, coarse manes down their backs, and long, thin tails they hold upright when running. Their most distinctive features are the large bumps on their faces that look like warts hence their name. These fleshy growths help protect warthogs, shielding their eyes and faces when they’re fighting, which occurs between males during mating season. These warts are also covered in short hairs that help them feel vibrations in the ground so they can sense nearby threats while grazing. Warthogs are also well known for their two sets of tusks a pair of long, protruding lower tusks that measure around 15cm each and are used when fighting, and a pair of upper tusks that form a 60cm (two-foot) long semicircle. Warthog inhabit savanna habitat and Omnivores by feeding habit, and having a gestation period of Six (6) months after which young are born. Life span up to 30 years in captivity
On Tuesday January 13, 2026. Zoo record a birth of Four (4) new born piglets all in good health.
