The Bedford Estates, London
Overview
At Woburn Safari Park there is one female Kunekune pig called Oscar and one male Kunekune pig called Wellington. Kunekune pigs are not a very active species, so you will most likely find them sleeping, wallowing in mud, or looking for food. They are very intelligent animals, Oscar will sit on command for a food reward.
All about us
| Distribution: | Asia, introduced to New Zealand and now domesticated worldwide |
|---|---|
| Habitat: | Woodland and grassland |
| Height: | 60 to 70cm tall |
| Weight: | 60 to 100kg |
| Gestation Period: | 116 days |
| Lifespan: | Up to 16 years |
| Threats: | Hybridisation with other pig species |
About us
Scientific name: Sus scrofa domesticus
The Kunekune pig is one of the most well known types of domesticated pig in the world, however it is actually classed as a rare breed with less than 2,000 pure bred Kunekune’s in the world - at one point they even faced extinction! Domesticated Kunekune’s originate from New Zealand but it is thought their wild ancestors came there from Asia in the 1800’s, on trading ships and whaling boats.
Unlike other pig species the Kunekune can survive on a diet of grass alone. They do not dig and root in the ground like other pig species, preferring instead to forage for grasses and roughage. They will eat fruit, vegetables, and food scraps in a domestic setting.
