Check Out What's New at the Zoo!

Haven't visited our local zoo lately? Well, check out the latest and greatest species to join the zoo family!

Red River Hogs Wallow in New Digs on September 27

On September 27, Nashville Zoo’s red river hog habitat will open to the public. The permanent habitat is located next to the Zoo’s African Elephant Savannah and features several viewing areas for Zoo guests to see the native African hogs.

The Zoo’s new feature is made possible by the generous philanthropy of Ray Bell Construction Company, Inc. who donated building materials and a team of 20 employees to work on the 4-month project. After officially breaking ground on May 18, Ray Bell Construction quickly built a 600 square-foot building, outside holding area, and public viewing yard. The habitat will initially hold a pair of adult red river hogs but has the capacity to hold offspring should the pair decide to breed. The outdoor yard has plenty of space for the hogs to dig, sleep, and wallow in the mud as most hogs do. "We have been looking for a project for our Young Guns group that really gives back to the community," Ray Bell Construction Company Project Manager and Zoo Board Member Darek Bell explains. "When I met the hogs in person I was hooked!"

Ray Bell Construction supports many non-profit organizations in the Middle Tennessee area, is a recognized leader in the construction industry, and has established a national reputation for delivering projects committed to quality, innovation and professionalism. With offices in Brentwood, Tenn., and Gulf Shores, Ala., RBCC leads the way in commercial, educational, residential high-rise, infrastructure and justice facility construction. For more information about Ray Bell Construction Company, Inc., log on to www.raybellconstruction.com.

Growing up to 5 feet in length and up to 250 pounds, the red river hog is a formidable creature. They have a red coat and contrasting black and white markings on their head including a white eye ring. They have long, pointed ears with tufts of hair at the tip which they sometimes shake to exaggerate their size and intimidate predators. They can run very fast and are excellent swimmers. They are native to west and central sub-Saharan Africa. In the wild, red river hogs will eat water plants, roots, bulbs, fruit, carrion, and small animals. Nashville Zoo’s red river hogs will dine on sweet potatoes, carrots and a pellet diet specially formulated for hogs.

Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney, Co.

Source: Nashville Zoo