Three rare piglets have been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. These Visayan warty pigs, which are native to the Philippine islands, are among the world’s most endangered species. Historically found on six of the Visayan Islands, they now survive on only two due to habitat loss from deforestation in the 1970s and 1980s. Zookeeper Gracie Gee highlighted the importance of the zoo’s breeding programme, saying it provides “a back-up population should wild reintroductions be considered the best action.” The mother sow, Tessa, carried the triplets for exactly three months, three weeks, and three days.
“The pigs – now regarded as one of the world’s rarest species – are part of a conservation breeding programme designed to increase their population in a secure and protected setting,” said Ms Gee. The piglets feature distinctive stripe patterns on their orange-colored backs, which provide camouflage against predators by blending into the forest floor. According to Whipsnade Zoo, the piglets will develop adult coloration and characteristic mohawk hairstyles within the next year.