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Zoo’s new piglets named after Harry Potter characters

Hedwig, Nagini and Aragog watched over by mum Tamzin. Credit: Chester Zoo.

Three tiny warthog piglets, named after Harry Potter characters, have made their debuts at Chester Zoo.

The piglets, which have been revealed as two girls and one boy, have been called Hedwig, Nagini and Aragog in tribute to some of the animals at the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.

The trio arrived to mum Tamzin, 7, and 10-year-old dad Magnum on 9 June after a six month pregnancy.

Now, standing at only 20cm tall, the youngsters have taken their very first playful steps outside having spent a few weeks in their den bonding with mum.

“These three little youngsters will no doubt be causing mischief and keeping mum very busy over the next few weeks as they form those vital early bonds.

"This is Tamzin’s third litter and so she’s a very experienced mum and is doing a brilliant job of caring for her new arrivals.

“It’s great to see them all outside exploring for the first time – they’re a very confident bunch.”

– Kim Wood, assistant team manager

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Rare new animals at Chester Zoo opening

The Sundha Gharial crocodile Credit: Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is opening the UK's largest ever indoor zoo exhibit today.

The Monsoon Forest biggest indoor zoo exhibit in UK Credit: Chester Zoo

It's called Monsoon Forest and it's home to a number of animals and plant species that can be found in South East Asia.

Rhinoceros hornbill Credit: Chester Zoo
Sulawesi macaques Credit: Chester Zoo

It’s home to a number of animal and plant species that can be found in South East Asia - Sulawesi crested macaques, Sunda gharial crocodiles, tortoises, turtles, fish, hornbill, various inverts and tentacled snakes.

Tortoise Credit: Chester Zoo

Lots of the species are highly threatened in the wild so it’s trying to put a spotlight on endangered species in that part of the world. Chester Zoo is the only place in the UK where you can see many of them. It’s part of the zoo’s £40m Islands project

Another new resident at Chester Zoo Credit: Chester Zoo
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