Remley the Babirusa Makes her Predictions At Wortham World of Primates at the Houston Zoo
HOUSTON, TX – Ground Hog Day 2012 will become Babirusa Day at the Houston Zoo on February 2 when Remley the babirusa (a species of Asian pig native to Indonesia) makes her winter weather prediction at the Houston Zoo’s Wortham World of Primates.
At 10 a.m. Remley will make her Babirusa Day weather prediction by choosing between two weather ‘scenes’ created by her keepers – one representing 6 more weeks of winter (a 2-foot tall ‘snowman’ containing favorite Remley treats made from white paper on a field of shaved ice) and another representing the onset of spring (a picnic scene complete with a ‘picnic blanket’ and a basket of treats).
Why babirusa? Well, the Houston Zoo doesn’t have a ground hog. Ground hogs don’t like the hot and humid tropical climate that we have along the southeast Texas Gulf coast. But we believe Remley is a natural for predicting future weather patterns on February 2 because of her intelligence and adaptability. Our keepers consider all hogs and pigs to be highly intelligent animals and quick learners with a substantial memory.
About Babirusa
Babirusas are small hairless pigs native to the small tropical Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Elusive forest dwellers, little is known about the natural history and natural behavior of the babirusa, mainly due to the nature of its dense jungle habitat. Masters of camouflage, the babirusa’s coloration, torpedo-shaped body and deer-like movements enable it to melt silently into surrounding cover at the slightest disturbance. It’s appropriate that the translation of babirusa is “pig-deer.” Babirusas are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting. In 1989 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) rated the babirusa as the Asian pig species in greatest need of immediate conservation measures.
About the Houston Zoo
Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes. Travel to Africa. No Passport Required.
The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $13 for adults, $7 for seniors, $9 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $11 and a child Zoo admission for $8. Zoo memberships start at only $59. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit www.houstonzoo.org.
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