Vern and Shirley’s Little One Makes Her Debut During One Wild Night

ATLANTA – May 16, 2008 – The pitter patter of piglet feet can be heard throughout Zoo Atlanta’s Warthog Den. On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, warthog Shirley gave birth to a litter of four piglets. Three of the four died during the first few days after being born, which is not unusual with first warthog litters. The remaining piglet, who’s bright eyed, a healthy squealer and ready for the world, was recently named by Zoo Atlanta officials.

Without further adieu, “Georgia P” is expected to make her exhibit debut in honor of this weekend’s Beastly Feast,  Zoo Atlanta’s annual black-tie fundraiser. “What better way to say thank you to Georgia Power who provided the Zoo with the generous gift for our warthog and meerkat exhibits,” said Dennis Kelly, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta.

Georgia P and Shirley will join the 2008 Beastly Feast, Wild One Night festivities co-chaired for a second year by Cecelia and David Ratcliffe. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue are Honorary Co-Chairs.

Found throughout savanna and grassland areas of eastern and sub-Saharan Africa, warthogs are not currently endangered. Female warthogs usually give birth to one litter (average three or four piglets) per year. Gestation is five to six months. Piglets are typically weaned by the time they are six months old, but they may remain with their mother until her next litter is born.

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