Historic Births at North Carolina Zoo
ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo has announced the successful birth of six Visayan warty piglets, marking a significant milestone for the critically endangered species. Among the piglets, four were born from a single litter, a record for this species in the United States, according to Curator Jenn Ireland.
The Visayan warty pig population is currently facing serious threats due to habitat destruction and hunting. As of this summer, only about 30 of these pigs were in zoos across the United States, with an estimated 200 remaining in the wild. They are native to two small islands in the Philippines.
Significant Contributions to Species Survival
The piglets are the offspring of Buddy, an 8-year-old female, and Makaio, a 7-year-old male. The pair’s record-setting litter is the first of its kind to be born in the U.S. since 2022. In addition, Makaio has also fathered a second set of piglets with another female, Shy, born just two weeks after the first litter. This brings the total number of Visayan warty pigs at the zoo to nine.
According to zoo officials, the birth of these piglets is crucial for the viability of the Visayan warty pig population, particularly since Makaio’s genetic lineage is now represented within the breeding program.
Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation
Dr. Mark Penning, the Zoo Director and CEO, expressed pride in the births, emphasizing the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation. “This is a remarkable example of the little miracles happening every day across our Zoo,” he said. He reiterated the importance of collaboration with other accredited zoos and aquariums to ensure the protection of wildlife for future generations.
The Asia expansion of the North Carolina Zoo, which includes the new herd of Visayan warty pigs, is set to open to the public at noon on March 1, 2027.
Source: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
