GENTRY — An unusual birth took place in Arkansas recently when a common warthog mother gave birth to her babies at the Wild Wilderness Safari in Gentry.

The baby warthogs may have been among the first to be born in Arkansas, according to Leon Wilmoth, son of Safari founders Ross and Freda Wilmoth.

According to information supplied by Leon Wilmoth, warthogs are native to Sub-Saharan Africa and are a member of the pig family. The animal’s common name comes from the four large, wart-like protrusions found on the head of the warthog, which serve as a fat reserve and are used for defense when males fight. A warthog is also identifiable by the two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth and curving upwards. The lower pair, which is far shorter than the upper pair, becomes razor sharp by rubbing against the upper pair every time the mouth is opened and closed. The tusks are used for digging, for combat with other hogs and in defense against predators. The lower set can inflict severe wounds.

According to Wilmoth, the animals grow to be 3 to almost 5 feet long and are 25 to 33 inches tall. While females usually weigh between 100 and 170 pounds, the larger males can reach a weight of more than 300 pounds.

According to Wilmoth, the warthog is the only pig species that is adapted to grazing on savanna habitats. Its diet is composed of grasses, roots, bark, insects, eggs and carrion. Warthogs are powerful diggers, using both their snouts and feet. Although they can dig their own burrows, they normally occupy abandoned burrows made by other animals. Warthogs often back into their burrows, with the head facing the opening.

The warthog population in southern Africa is estimated to be 250,000.

The Gentry-born warthogs are on display at the Wild Wilderness Safari, which is a drive-through safari comprised of 180 acres and over 85 species of exotic wild animals opened in the early 1970s and now open 365 days a year. The safari features petting areas and an extensive drive-through route. The animal park is an excellent place to visit for families and school field trips.

More information can be found at www.wildwildernessdrive-through-Safari.com or by calling 736-8383.

News, Pages 3 on 01/09/2013