This Just In
The North Carolina Zoo reports that its last warthog was just euthanized. Plans had been to exhibit her with the three new red river hogs. From the just released media advisory:
"The last surviving warthog at the North Carolina Zoo was euthanatized today by the park’s veterinary staff after determining that the aged animal was suffering extreme discomfort, likely brought on by inoperable tumors found earlier in the animal.
"The 15-year-old female hog had been treated previously and was on pain medication when the veterinary staff determined to humanely euthanatize the animal. The warthog had been at the zoo since 1992. Typically, warthogs live 12-15 years in captivity.
"A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed to determine the size and extent of the tumors and any other maladies that might have led to the animal’s illness.
"Distantly related to the domestic pig, the warthog is distinguished by its large head and two pairs of “warts” on the cheeks. The “warts,” less pronounced on the females, are made of gristle and skin with no bony support.
"The warthog’s two sets of tusks can reach lengths of nine to 12 inches and are one of its most noticeable characteristics and its best defense. The huge, curved upper canines and stiletto-like lowers are capable of inflicting serious injury – even to lions. Most predators prefer to avoid encounters with adult wart hogs. Males use their tusks primarily for fighting and defense; whereas, the females use theirs mostly for rooting."
"The last surviving warthog at the North Carolina Zoo was euthanatized today by the park’s veterinary staff after determining that the aged animal was suffering extreme discomfort, likely brought on by inoperable tumors found earlier in the animal.
"The 15-year-old female hog had been treated previously and was on pain medication when the veterinary staff determined to humanely euthanatize the animal. The warthog had been at the zoo since 1992. Typically, warthogs live 12-15 years in captivity.
"A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed to determine the size and extent of the tumors and any other maladies that might have led to the animal’s illness.
"Distantly related to the domestic pig, the warthog is distinguished by its large head and two pairs of “warts” on the cheeks. The “warts,” less pronounced on the females, are made of gristle and skin with no bony support.
"The warthog’s two sets of tusks can reach lengths of nine to 12 inches and are one of its most noticeable characteristics and its best defense. The huge, curved upper canines and stiletto-like lowers are capable of inflicting serious injury – even to lions. Most predators prefer to avoid encounters with adult wart hogs. Males use their tusks primarily for fighting and defense; whereas, the females use theirs mostly for rooting."
posted by Russ Williams at
4:14 PM
2 Comments:
As a long time member of the Zoo, I am sad to hear this, but it does answer questions on why we have not seen the warthogs in a long time.
What is to be done with the exhibit? Will the Red River hogs remain on display?
Thanks.
Yes. They were to have been exhibited with the sole remaining warthog, but now offer much activity (and their unique vocalizations) on their own.
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