Warthogs Vern and Shirley Equal a Litter of Little Ones

ATLANTA – March 31, 2008 – There is true power in partnership. In May 2007, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dennis Kelly partnered with Mickey Brown, Georgia Power Executive Vice President Customer Service Organization to announce the opening of the Zoo’s warthog exhibit.

In less than a year, Zoo Atlanta’s warthogs Vern and Shirley are expecting a litter. “We are delighted about the birth of piglets. Georgia Power provided the Zoo with a generous gift that has enabled us to further enhance our Member and guest experience,” said Dennis Kelly.

Found throughout savanna and grassland areas of east 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 however they may remain with their mother until her next litter is born. Shirley is scheduled to give birth in mid-April 2008.

“Zoo Atlanta is a world-class facility, and Georgia Power has supported their educational and conservation efforts over the past 20 years,” said Mickey Brown. “Baby warthogs will be a unique addition to the Zoo Atlanta family.”

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