What a Pig!
Posted at 2:24 pm April 16, 2007 by Maureen O. Duryee
Ordinarily that comment might be considered offensive, but not if we are really talking about a pig! Murphy is a red river hog that came to live at Hunte Amphitheater at the San Diego Zoo last August. He has a happy disposition and loves any kind of attention that comes his way. His species is native to Central Africa, but Murphy came from Memphis, Tennessee.
Murphy was very easy to train because he has the intelligence of domestic dog. He quickly learned to wear a carting harness and was introduced to the show stage the first week he arrived at Hunte. We had him in shows in less than two weeks, not only enjoying the work, but often stealing the show with his enthusiasm. Have you ever seen a pig dance? Well, Murphy runs out onto the stage and dances a little jig before the marveling crowd. We didn't train it; he is just so happy to be there and shows it! If you're happy and you know it, dance a jig!!!!
At first light in the morning, Murphy squeals to his trainers, letting them know he is ready to get started with the day, and that includes no delays in delivering his breakfast. What a pig! He has been gaining a mere 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) a month since his arrival. His current weight is 90 pounds (41 kilograms), but will soon reach over 150 pounds (68 kilograms). Murphy's favorite foods include carrots, yams, and turnips, but he also loves his herbivore pellets. Imagine gaining that kind of weight just from eating vegetables!
Stop by and see the show at Hunte Amphitheater soon. Murphy's a real show hog!
Maureen O. Duryee is an animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo's Hunte Amphitheater.
See video of three red river hog piglets at the Zoo.
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April 16th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
i saw 2 red river hogs at toronto zoo and i was told they came from this zoo, their names were simon and sabrina. can you tell me a little bit about them? they were quite cute
April 16th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Thanks for the post Maureen! Murphy sounds like one happy dude! Very smart and lovable… I'm so glad to hear how much he enjoys his life strutting his stuff!
April 16th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Thanks, Maureen. Murphy sounds like quite a fun guy. Please keep us posted as he continues to " grow" and mature in the spotlight.
April 17th, 2007 at 6:20 am
What a CUTE blog! You go Murphy!
April 17th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Hi Maureen. How nice to get the update on Murphy, especially after seeing him at " early-hours" on Saturday. He has so much personality! And I loved watching him rooting for goodies. You and your crew do such an amazing job working with such a variety of animals. I especially enjoyed watching you work with the pacarana; what a amazingly cute critter it is! Thanks for all you do!
April 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
What a great blog - and a seemingly charming little pig! My mom has a vietamese pot bellied pig - and he's a smarty pants too! She was told that he has the intelligence of a domestic dog, but the personality of a 9-year old boy. That means he is easily trained to do tricks, and definitely lets everyone know what time breakfast and dinner are - but can be a bit naughty and likes to get into mischief. Give him a brown paper grocery sack - and he will have fun with it for hours. Sounds similar to Murphy. Thanks - and please keep us updated on his antics.
April 24th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Oh, how cute! I'm from out-of-town, but I always want to find the time to come down to the Zoo and see the animals. This will be something I will have to see next time… What a great update! Murphy sounds like he's having a lot of fun there at the Zoo.