It certainly is a hog's life for Fergie, the new arrival at Blackpool Zoo.

A very tiny, bristly little pig joined the residents at the East Park Drive attraction.

The Red River Hog was sadly rejected by its mother, so staff at Blackpool Zoo have taken it under their wing to ensure it is looked after in the early stages of its life.

African Red River Hogs are not often seen in British zoos and are very popular with the public for their spectacular tasselled ears and stunning chestnut red coat.

They are extremely efficient at digging and can turn over a grass paddock in no time at all, hence the name of the newborn, Fergie.

Hayley Rothwell, section head keeper of mammals at Blackpool Zoo, said: "We immediately thought of Massey Ferguson red tractors, and that Ferguson or Fergie for short was an appropriate name for a red animal that will turn over a grass field with the efficiency of a power plough.

"This little guy has already started digging when he's out on the grass, as well as picking up sticks that get in his way."

The little Red River Hog really has made an impression on the staff at the zoo.

Keepers have shared responsibility for taking Ferguson home at night to keep up with his two hourly feeds.

His blanket-lined sky kennel, a zoo animal carrier, is also a familiar site in the rabbit house where he spends his days.

As he is making such good progress, he will be allowed to look out at the public from this weekend as he takes up residence in the former meerkat house next to the zoo's other porcine occupant, Rudolph the Kune Kune pig.

Hayley added: "This little pig is going to be a great favourite with the public. He's a real busy little character, although, like human babies he just eats, plays and sleeps.

"We'll all be glad to catch up with our own sleep when he gets a bit bigger."

The zoo now has six Red River Hogs in total; Raff and Scarlet, father and mother, and three sisters Ruby, Cherry and Apple.

The Red River Hog is also known as the African Bush Pig and they live in groups called sounders.