Oakland Zoo welcomes two litters of warthog piglets

The Oakland Zoo welcomed two litters of warthogs in May 2016. The Oakland Zoo welcomed two litters of warthogs in May 2016. Photo: Reuben Maness/Oakland Zoo Photo: Reuben Maness/Oakland Zoo Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Oakland Zoo welcomes two litters of warthog piglets 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

They might not be covered in soft fluffy coats like kittens, but the seven warthog babies born at the Oakland Zoo this month are still kind of cute. Don't you think?

There's actually a wonderful love story behind these squeaky piglets.

The zoo adopted two female warthogs, Frenchie and Alice, three years ago to introduce romance into the life of a male named Simon.

Simon was reluctant at first, but the sparks finally flew, and on May 6, Frenchie birthed a litter of three. Days later, Alice welcomed her brood on May 13. Now, they're one big happy family.

"Both sows, Frenchie and Alice, are first time moms, and are doing a wonderful job and being very protective," Senior Zookeeper Lovesong Cahill said in an email statement. "All seven piglets are just now beginning to explore their surroundings under the watchful eyes of their moms and keepers."

The warthogs have been living in a protected night house with their moms, and on Monday they began saying hello to zoo visitors as they adventured into the warthog exhibit in the African Savannah section.