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Pig-Like Mohawk Gets People Into Zoo Free

POSTED: Monday, June 2, 2008
UPDATED: 3:00 pm EDT June 2, 2008

In an effort to promote a new pig exhibit, the Brevard Zoo will offer free admission over Father's Day weekend to anyone sporting a mohawk -- real or fake -- resembling the Visayan warty pig's mane.


PHOTOS: 'Mohawk' pig

The zoo will open a Visayan warty pig exhibit June 14 and 15, which is when those with mohawks can receive free admission. Fathers will also receive free admission -- mohawk or not -- on Father's Day.

Unlike other wild pig species, male Visayan warty pigs sport a lush mane that is often more than 1 foot long and stands upright when the animals are excited or agitated.

Visayan warty pigs are described as playful, and they love to wallow in a cool pool of mud. The zoo is installing a shower feature in the exhibit that the pigs can access to get water. The zoo also is installing a water feature on the boardwalk for guests to enjoy as well.

Originally found on six islands in the Philippines, the unique pig has become extinct on four of them. San Diego Zoo has been working diligently to increase warty pig captive numbers and has selected Brevard Zoo as a worthy facility to propagate this rare species. The zoo is receiving a breeding group of two to three girls and one spiffy guy. Brevard Zoo will be among only a handful of zoos to exhibit the critically-endangered species.

Not much is known about the forest-dwelling warty pigs of the Phillipines. The boars are named for the three pairs of fleshy "warts" or bumps found on their faces. They are commonly found in groups of four to five, with groups of up to a dozen individuals seen occasionally. The average number of piglets is three to four per litter. Their diet consists of vegetables, tubers, roots and fallen fruits.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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