The latest arrivals at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury are these two Red River hog piglets.

Born earlier this month into the park's group of seven hogs, the youngsters are doing well and will soon make their public debut.

Red River hogs are found across the West and Central African rainforest belt, from Senegal in the west, throughout the Guinea-Congo forest.

The distinctive looking pig is Africa’s equivalent of the Eurasian wild boar. Although it is currently relatively common in its range this distinctive species is sadly in decline due to hunting for meat and persecution by farmers who see it as a pest species due to their habit of raiding crops.

There are also very few in zoos, so the latest arrivals at Howletts offer a rare opportunity to appreciate this strong, intelligent and adaptable animal.

Head hoofstock keeper at Howletts Joel Bunce, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the two piglets to Howletts. They bring our numbers up to nine and they are a very popular exhibit with visitors to the park.’