Chattanooga Zoo Welcomes Two New Warthogs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Zoo has welcomed two new female warthogs, marking an exciting milestone in its history.

The warthogs, named Peanut and Big Girl, arrived in late January from a zoo in Florida and have joined Everett, the male warthog, in the Cape of Africa expansion.

Jake Cash, Chattanooga Zoo Director of Marketing and Communications, shared details about their arrival and acclimation process.

“They moved all the way from Florida in a climate-controlled trailer and have now moved in with Everett, the warthog in the Cape of Africa expansion,” said Cash. “Right now, they’re not sharing space yet. We’re still working on introductions, which is part of bringing new animals together.”

Peanut and Big Girl are a mother-daughter pair, making their bond especially strong.

“Big Girl is actually Peanut’s mom, so they’re definitely very close,” Cash explained. “You always see them walking around together. Initial introductions with Everett have gone really well.”

The addition of Peanut and Big Girl is a historic moment for the zoo. Cash noted that these are the first female warthogs ever housed at the Chattanooga Zoo.

Everett, who arrived last August with the opening of the Cape of Africa expansion, was the zoo’s first-ever warthog.

“It’s super exciting to be bringing these new warthogs to the Chattanooga Zoo,” Cash said. “They were a little nervous at first moving to a new place, but they’ve settled down and are fitting in super well.”

Cash explains that the Chattanooga Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and follows strict guidelines under the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

This program helps manage animal populations across accredited zoos to ensure genetic diversity and proper care.

Cash explained that while the zoo is not currently breeding warthogs, Peanut and Big Girl were transferred as part of the SSP’s management plan.

“We’re acting more as a holding facility for these individuals,” Cash said. “That doesn’t mean they will never breed or that it wouldn’t be necessary in the future, but it’s just not the focus right now.”

Peanut and Big Girl are now part of the Cape of Africa expansion, the largest in Chattanooga Zoo history.

“The Cape of Africa expansion opened last August and includes warthogs, caracals, servals, and porcupines—lots of really cool, interesting animals,” Cash said. “It’s definitely our best expansion ever, so if you haven’t seen it, definitely come out and check it out.”

As the introduction process continues, visitors can expect to see either Everett or the two female warthogs on exhibit at a time.

While they are not yet sharing the same space, the goal is for all three warthogs to eventually live together.

For now, Peanut and Big Girl are settling into their new home, and zoo guests can look forward to watching their journey unfold.