Warthogs are members of the same family as domestic pigs, and became very popular with kids after the release of The Lion King. While not the prettiest animal, the animated Lion King character Pumbaa made the warthog lovable. Native to Africa, warthogs are named for the two wart link protrusions located on the sides of their heads. They grow four tusks, two upper and two lower, the upper tusks being much larger for fighting and defending themselves.
Our warthog Harley came to Monterey Zoo to join our education program and was joined by Fiona more recently. They were hand-raised by the keepers at Monterey Zoo and to this day still maintain a friendly and active relationship, which is unusual for warthogs in zoos today. Our keepers couldn’t be prouder to call two animals their very special friends.
An unusual animal to keep friendly and manageable but the keepers at the zoo are using every trick in the book to keep Harley and Fiona on track. Check out their new digs: an exhibit complete with a pool, waterfall, digging area, heated barn and much more!
