The zoo rings in the new year with newborn piglets.
The San Antonio Zoo announced the first birth of a babirusa, a wild and rare species of pig, on Jan. 1.
“We are thrilled to welcome this baby to our family – the first baby buffalo birth at the San Antonio Zoo,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo in a Facebook post.
“Although some have described these little ones as ‘ugly babies,’ we can’t help but find them very cute with their unique and unconventional charm. We can’t wait for people to fall in love with these precious little babirusa.”
Birth is considered a rare event for the species.
The Babirusa native to the Indonesian archipelago is threatened by excessive meat hunting and habitat loss due to agricultural development.
The creatures also only give birth to one to two piglets, so their births are generally rare.
The birth is considered a rare occurrence because the babirusa is an endangered species. Instagram/sanantoniozoo
The baby’s first-time mother, Sula, and her father, Kreacher, are part of “an important achievement for both the zoo and the conservation efforts of this vulnerable species,” the post said.
Male Babirus are known for their strange tusks, which can penetrate their skulls, while females have no tusks at all.
“With its distinctive curved tusks and unique appearance, the babirusa has captivated visitors since its introduction in 1998,” the zoo continued.
Babirusa also only give birth to one to two piglets, so their births are generally rare. Instagram/sanantoniozoo
Until now, the baby has not been on display at the zoo, which focuses on “the well-being and health of mothers and babies.”
“In the coming weeks, the baby babirusa will continue to bond with its mother and grow, ensuring a solid foundation for its future,” he explained. “Stay tuned for exclusive updates and announcements on baby babirusa’s progress, gender and when the public can see them.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
