Zoo Miami announces birth of rare wild pig

Zoo Miami announced the birth of one of the world’s rarest wild pigs on Tuesday.

The zoo welcomed Bizarre, a newborn babirusa who became the first successful birth of the species in the zoo’s history on Dec. 15.

This is the first baby for both parents, a 4-year-old female named Maggie, from the St. Louis Zoo, and a nearly 5-year-old male named Harry, from the Audubon Zoo, according to Zoo Miami Communications Director Ron Magill.

Magill said the sex of the newborn is still undetermined as it currently remains isolated with its mother in a secluded holding area.

The zoo said that Bizarre looks different than the average wild pig because of its tusks. Most have them at the bottom of their mouth, but this type of pig has an additional pair that sits right on top of its nose.

The word “babirusa,” means “pig deer” in the Malay language and is usually found in Africa, Europe, Asia and the rainforests of Indonesia, according to Magill.

Babirusas have a lifespan of approximately 10 years but can live up to 20 years under human care. They feed primarily on fruits, roots, invertebrates and small mammals, but will eat almost anything, including their own young on occasion, according to a Zoo Miami press release.

Zoo Miami officials confirmed that although Harry, the father, can be seen on public display daily, both the mom and baby will likely remain off exhibit for the next several weeks to ensure that the baby can properly navigate the challenges of a moated habitat.

See more photos of Bizarre and his family below.