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The Babirussa, recently added to the Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, 1860. Creator: Pearson
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The Babirussa, recently added to the Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, 1860. Creator: Pearson
The Babirussa, recently added to the Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, [London], 1860. The babirussa of the Island of Celebes (Sus babirussa, or Babirussa alfurus of Systematists) is one of the most peculiar and certainly one of the most rare of this group of quadrupeds...The present example [of the Suidae or swine family]...is a fine young male, and exhibits only partially the curious structure of the tufts for which the adult male is so celebrated, and which must render him so formidable an opponent in the forest. These tusks grow upwards instead of downwards from the upper jaw, from a sheath which pierces the lip, and in the fully-grown male recurve backwards until they nearly meet the sides of the face again. The whole contour of the animal is likewise very peculiar, and different from that of the ordinary pigs. The babirussa is said to be found wild in the neighbouring islands of Borneo and some others of the Sunda group, as well as in Celebes. It attained its name from the extraordinary idea of the Malays that it originated from a cross between the pig (Baba) and the deer (Russa, or Rusa)...we believe that the example in our Zoological Society's Gardens is unique in Europe'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860
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The Babirusa, a Rare and Peculiar Addition to the Zoological Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, London, 1860
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Babirusa, scientifically known as Sus babirusa or Babirusa alfurus, is a unique and intriguing member of the Suidae or swine family, recently added to the Zoological Society's Gardens in Regent's Park, London. This young male specimen, with only partially grown tufts, showcases the peculiar structure for which the adult male is renowned. The babirusa's most distinctive feature is its upward-growing tusks, which emerge from a sheath that pierces the lip and curve backward, almost meeting the sides of the face. The babirusa is native to the islands of Celebes, Borneo, and some other Sunda group islands. Its unusual name comes from the Malaysian belief that it is the offspring of a pig (Baba) and a deer (Russa). The animal's whole contour is different from that of ordinary pigs, making it a fascinating and rare sight. The present example in the Zoological Society's Gardens is a unique find in Europe, as it is believed to be the only one at the time. The babirusa's peculiarities make it a subject of great interest and fascination for both scientists and the general public. This photograph, taken in 1860, offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the beauty and rarity of this enigmatic creature.
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