The Maryland Zoo Mourns the Passing of Beloved Warthog, Hodor

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Zoo euthanized a male common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) named Hodor [HOE-door] on Wednesday.

The warthog had been in good health until recently when keepers noticed small changes in his appetite and resulting bloodwork indicated signs of liver dysfunction. A more thorough examination under anesthesia revealed that he was battling untreatable liver disease. Based on the extent of his condition it was agreed that euthanasia was in the animal’s best interest.

“Hodor will be deeply missed. He was reserved when he arrived so we spent a lot of time working with him to make him feel comfortable and participate in his own wellbeing care,” said Erin Cantwell Grimm, Mammal Curator at the Maryland Zoo.

Hodor’s bond with his caretakers allowed keepers and veterinary technicians to collect blood, for example – a behavior that, ultimately, led to detection of his condition.

He was 2 years old when he arrived at Maryland Zoo in 2017 as a companion for KeeWee, a 10 year-old female warthog born at the Zoo.

“Hodor and KeeWee lived together for the past eight years but they both preferred to spend time in different areas of the habitat,” Cantwell Grimm said.

“Still, we’ll watch her closely over the next few weeks to see how she adapts to her new situation.”

The common warthog is a species of wild pig native to Africa where they are found in varying habitats ranging from open grasslands to areas of dense vegetation. Their name comes from four wart-like protrusions on their snout. They also have tusks for defense or displays of aggression.

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