March 25, 2021
HONOLULU – It’s with sadness that the Honolulu Zoo announces Pua, a 13 year-old female warthog, died yesterday due to complications associated with age.
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Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos stated that veterinarians, curators and keeper staff monitored Pua’s condition as she had a decrease in appetite for several days. Veterinary staff anesthetized Pua to make an assessment and found that she had an intestinal blockage, which is not uncommon in older pigs. Emergency surgery was performed, but unfortunately Pua did not make a full recovery and passed away overnight.
Pua and Lenny, the male warthog, came to the Honolulu Zoo in 2009 and have been a popular attraction amongst visitors familiar with the character “Pumbaa” from the movie “The Lion King.” “Pua was very intelligent, friendly, and a staff favorite,” said Santos.
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Warthogs are found in southern African and are not listed as endangered. They have an average life expectancy of approximately 12-18 years in captivity.
This press release was produced by the City and County of Honolulu. The views expressed are the author's own.