Blissful Babirusas

Jethro and Mary Kate make a pretty cute couple! Jethro’s been at the San Diego Zoo for quite a while, but was just recently introduced to the young Mary Kate, just over a year old. North Salawesi Babirusas are in the pig family, so naturally they have a special place in my heart. They are found in Indonesia, but are a threatened species. An interesting fact: what look like curved horns are actually upper canines that penetrate the skin and emerge pointing back toward the forehead; the lower canines also grow upwards. The females canines are either reduced or absent. Looks like these two are enjoying each other’s company!