PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rare North Sulawesi Babirusa Born at Brevard Zoo

A north Sulawesi babirusa born at Brevard Zoo on Saturday, August 4 is delighting keepers with his gentle, inquisitive demeanor. Named Java, the piglet is the offspring of two-year-old mother Piggy and two-year-old father Meru. He is the first child of either parent and the first member of his species ever born at the Zoo.

“Java is barely a week old, but his personality is already shining through,” said Michelle Smurl, director of animal programs at the Zoo. “Piggy is doing an incredible job, especially for a first-time mom.”

Java will remain behind the scenes for several weeks until he is large and strong enough to enter the public viewing area. Fans are encouraged to follow his progress on the Zoo’s social media channels.

North Sulawesi babirusas, found in forests on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, are deemed vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and human hunting. Adult males are known for tusks that pierce through the skin and curve toward the back of the head.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: © 2018 Brevard Zoo. All Rights Reserved.