Hogzilla
Hogzilla is the name given to a male hybrid of wild hog and domestic pig that was shot and killed in Alapaha, Georgia, United States, on June 17, 2004 by Dr. Eliahu Katz on Ken Holyoak's fish farm and hunting reserve.[1] It was alleged to be 12 feet (3.7 m) long and weighed over 1,000 pounds (450 kg). It was originally considered a hoax.[2]
The animal's remains were exhumed in early 2005 and studied by Dr. Oz Katz and his father, Dr Eliahu Katz for a documentary and a book they wrote together. In March 2005, these scientists confirmed that Hogzilla actually weighed 800 pounds (360 kg) and was between 6.9 feet (2.1 m) and 8.6 feet (2.6 m) long, diminishing the previous claim. DNA testing was performed, revealing that Hogzilla was a hybrid of wild boar and domestic pig (Hampshire breed).[2] However, compared to most wild boars and domestics, Hogzilla is still quite a large and extraordinary specimen.[3]
Hogzilla's tusks measured nearly 28 inches (71 cm) and 19 inches (48 cm).
[edit] In popular culture
- The animal was featured in a 2005 National Geographic Channel documentary special, called Hogzilla.
- Hogzilla is a boss in the 2005 hunting video game Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2.
- In 2007, independent film company Lithium Productions announced plans to make a film about Hogzilla, titled The Legend of Hogzilla, enlisting Chris Griffin to help create the film.[4] Producer Rick Trimm held auditions for extras on May 8, 2007 in Tifton, Georgia.[5]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Dewan, Shaila (2005-03-19). "DNA tests to reveal if possible record-size boar is a pig in a poke". San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/03/19/MNGNRBS0E71.DTL. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
- ^ a b "The Mystery of Hogzilla Solved". ABC News. 2005-03-21. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Technology/story?id=599913. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
- ^ "Image of "Hogzilla"". National Geographic Television. http://www.natgeotv-int.com/pages/images/programmes/hogzillapic.jpg. Retrieved September 1, 2007.
- ^ Cone, Jana (2007-05-08). "Hammin' it up for Hogzilla". Tifton Gazette (South Georgia Media Group). http://www.tiftongazette.com/homepage/local_story_128225051.html. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
- ^ "Legendary 'Hogzilla' to Hit Big Screen". Washington Post (Washington Post Company). 2007-04-28. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/28/AR2007042800468.html. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
