Rare piglets born at Newquay Zoo

There are thought to be fewer than 200 Visayan Warty Pigs in the wild

Author: Simon McleanPublished 3rd May 2023

Newquay Zoo has welcomed two new piglets - that are part of what's thought to the the rarest species of pig in the world.

Mother, May, gave birth to the piglets on Sunday April 16, and was proudly showing them off to the public after just a few days.

It comes less than a year after the arrival of older siblings, Kevin Bacon and Amy Swinehouse, who were named with the help of the public.

May and male pig, Randy, are part of a breeding programme to help increase the number of Visayan warty pigs worldwide.

The Warty Piglets with mum May

The species is classed as critically endangered and there are thought to be as few as 200 of the animals left in the wild.

They are now extinct in 98% of their former range and can only be found on two islands in the Philippines.

Dave Rich, Keeper Team Leader at Newquay Zoo, said: “After our breeding success with two warty piglets last year, we are so pleased to welcome these new arrivals and to continue helping increase the Visayan warty pig population.

“Our warty pigs are full of character, and the new arrivals are no exception! They have already been exploring their enclosure under mum, May’s, watchful eye.”

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