Today Wellington Zoo welcomed two 8 month old female kunekune pigs bred at Staglands.

“This week we sadly lost our three peccaries; Kermit, Gonzo and Animal, who had to be euthanased for humane reasons” said Wellington Zoo Chief Executive Karen Fifield.

“While their unique personalities will be sorely missed by Zoo staff and visitors alike, we have taken this opportunity to include a significant New Zealand species in our collection. We are very excited to welcome our new residents”.

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The as yet unnamed new arrivals are currently housed in the former Peccary enclosure at the front of the Zoo and will eventually live in the planned New Zealand themed “Meet the Locals” precinct which will be developed at the Zoo over the next few years.

Throughout May and June visitors who are keen to see the Zoo’s most recent arrivals can catch the bus and get half price entry.

Research has shown that kunekune pigs are distinct from both Pacific pigs, and a range of common European breeds. The name kunekune comes from the Maori word kune which means to swell, or be plump

In the late 1970s the breed was 'rediscovered' and at the time it was estimated that there were only about 50 purebred kunekune left in New Zealand. From purebred base stock of only 6 sows and 3 boars in 1978, kunekune now number in the thousands.

ENDS

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