Warthogs are increasingly common in zoo collections and are generally more adaptable to captivity than many African species. Understanding their welfare needs improves husbandry outcomes.
Warthog welfare in zoo settings is relatively well-managed compared to many exotic species, as warthogs are more physiologically robust and behaviourally flexible than many African ungulates. Key welfare priorities include social grouping — warthogs are gregarious and family groups are the natural social unit — and foraging enrichment. Warthogs spend the majority of their active day rooting and grazing, behaviours that are frustrated by barren enclosures but readily supported by scatter feeding, buried food, and varied substrates. Shelter from extreme cold is needed in temperate climates, as warthogs originated in sub-Saharan savanna. Their active, curious nature makes them responsive to enrichment and capable of showing clearly positive welfare states through play and exploratory behaviour.