There’s a new (and very squeaky) reason to keep an eye on the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Three red river hog piglets were recently born backstage, adding to the lineup of animals that call the resort home.
Red river hogs are native to the forests and wetlands of West and Central Africa, and they’re easily some of the most eye-catching members of the pig family. They don rusty red coats, white facial markings, and long tasseled ears. They stand out even among the Lodge’s mix of giraffes, zebras, ankole cattle, and flamingos. The adults are known for their social behavior, usually sticking together in small family groups called sounders.
Looking at the pictures released today, it seems three piglets were recently born, adding to one of the Lodge’s own sounders!
Dr. Mark Penning, Disney’s Vice President of Animals, Science & Environment, shared an Instagram post featuring the new babies. The piglets are doing well and have already been spotted snuggled up together and bonding closely with their mother. That early bonding time happens backstage, where the animals can grow and adjust without the activity of the guest areas.
A few fun facts about red river hogs: despite their compact size, they’re strong diggers and use their snouts to root through the ground for roots, fruit, and small invertebrates. They’re also good swimmers, which comes in handy in their natural habitat.
For now, the piglets are staying behind the scenes, but the plan is for them to eventually join the rest of the red river hogs out on the savanna. When they do, they’ll become part of one of the most unique wildlife viewing experiences at Walt Disney World, where a resort stay can double as a front-row seat to animals from across Africa.
