COURTESY HONOLULU ZOO
Vitani, 7, and Little Bit, 9, are two new female warthogs at the Honolulu Zoo.
The Honolulu Zoo announced the addition of two female warthogs — Vitani and Little Bit — who are joining its longtime resident male warthog, Lenny.
The pair arrived today from California’s The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, which is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility.
They will join Lenny, a 16-year-old male, who lost his longtime mate, Pua, in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Vitani and Little Bit to the Honolulu Zoo,” said Assistant Zoo Director Jacqueline Peeler in a news release. “Their arrival brings new energy to the zoo and provides companionship for Lenny.”
Lenny and Pua played an important role in the AZA Species Survival Plan by producing 13 offspring. Several of those offspring went on to have young ones of their own, making Lenny a grandpa.
Zoo officials said there are no plans to breed Lenny at this time. Vitani, 7, and Little Bit, 9, were brought in to keep Lenny company.
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Zoo officials thanked Pacific Air Cargo for a partnership that made the safe transport of Vitani and Little Bit to Oahu possible. The Honolulu Zoological Society coordinated the donation and provided accommodations for the animal care team from California.
Vitani and Little Bit will remain behind the scenes during their quarantine period. They are expected to make their public debut in coming months.