The Nashville Zoo is celebrating an unexpected addition to its animal family with the birth of a red river hog piglet named Chive. The male piglet, born on April 1, is said to be about the size of a cantaloupe and is already capturing hearts behind the scenes.
According to zoo officials, Chive’s birth came as a surprise, as staff were not expecting second-time mother, Tater, to deliver so soon. When keepers discovered the newborn, he was in a fragile state—cold, weak, and still covered in afterbirth.
With the mother showing no interest in nursing or caring for the piglet, the zoo’s animal care team quickly intervened. Thanks to their swift action, Chive was warmed, bottle-fed, and has since been receiving round-the-clock care from staff.
“Timing was critical,” zoo officials noted. “We stepped in just in time to ensure he got the care he needed.”
Red river hogs are native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Known for their striking reddish fur and expressive ears, they are adept swimmers and often wallow in rivers and streams. Their diet is diverse, consisting of roots, fruits, seeds, nuts, birds, eggs, and insects.
While Chive remains under close observation behind the scenes, the zoo says it hopes to introduce him to the public once he is strong enough to explore his habitat.
