Finn, an 8-year-old Red River hog at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, became a first-time mom last week. Keepers were greeted by a brand-new baby Red River hog in the early hours of Thurs., Aug. 29. Although first-time dad, Gus, and Finn had been seen breeding, keepers were not certain a baby was on the way.
“It may seem strange to some, but Red River hog babies are some of the cutest in the whole animal kingdom with their striped markings, tiny statures and energetic behaviors,” Amy Tuchman, senior keeper in African Rift Valley says. “Little one and mom seem to be doing great. We’re seeing a lot of nursing, napping and activity from the baby. It likes to climb over Finn’s face, and we’ve seen it jumping and running when it gets little bursts of energy. Finn is really sweet and patient with it.”
The little hoglet is a bit smaller than its mom’s snout. Red River hoglets are often described as having a watermelon pattern when they’re born. Just like adult Red River hogs, hoglets have the signature bright orange coats, but the babies also have brown and white stripes that run the length of their bodies, along with little brown and white spots all over. Those stripes and spots usually fade at around six months of age, but act as important camouflage in the meantime.
Finn’s keepers say she has embraced her hoglet with all of the key behaviors they want to see from a first-time mom. The baby is nursing regularly, Finn nuzzles and cleans the baby, and the baby gets ‘zoomies’ in the comfort of their indoor den.
Because Finn and the hoglet have been bonding well, animal care staff are unlikely to handle the baby unless there’s a medical need. The baby’s sex has not been identified and likely won’t be for another several weeks. In keeping with CMZoo tradition, the baby likely won’t be named for at least 30 days.
Finn came to CMZoo earlier this year on a breeding recommendation with Gus, CMZoo’s 2-year-old male Red River hog. Red River hog fathers, unlike many species, are active in raising their young. For now, Finn and baby will get time to bond alone, and Gus will join the family once Finn shows she’s comfortable.
Follow CMZoo’s social media channels for updates on when Finn and the hoglet will make their debut in public spaces.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2024, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.