Red river hogs

The red river hogs have settled in wonderfully with the De Brazza’s monkeys in their shared exhibit. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The Dja Reserve pavilion features also a mixed-species exhibit for the red river hogs and De Brazza’s monkeys, which includes both indoor quarters and a spacious outdoor area. In spring 2025, the red river hogs successfully bred here—a first for Prague Zoo.

Red river hogs are native to central Africa, where they inhabit deciduous and mixed forests as well as bushland. Aside from their striking colouring and their affinity for water—which is reflected in their name—these hogs are also recognisable by their elongated ear tufts, tipped with a brush of long hairs. They live in groups led by a dominant male.

Although the species is considered relatively abundant, it is often targeted by bushmeat hunters. In some countries, red river hogs are also persecuted by farmers because they damage crops. On top of this, they face increasing habitat loss as human settlements continue to encroach on their natural range.

In spring 2025, we welcomed the first red river hog piglets to the Dja Reserve. Photo: Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo