North Carolina Zoo celebrates historic birth of six critically endangered piglets
ASHEBORO, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Zoo is celebrating a historic milestone after welcoming six critically endangered Visayan warty piglets in two separate litters.
Zoo officials say the births are especially significant because the species is experiencing a rapid population decline due to habitat loss and hunting.
“Our Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of six Visayan warty piglets here in Asheboro, including four from a single litter,” said Curator Jenn Ireland. “This is a wonderful development considering the species is critically endangered and in rapid population decline due habitat loss and hunting.”
According to the zoo, only about 30 Visayan warty pigs were living in zoos across the United States as of this summer, with approximately 200 remaining in the wild.
Outside of human care, the species is found only on two small islands in the Philippines.
The first litter of four piglets was born to 8-year-old Buddy and 7-year-old Makaio.
According to the Species Survival Plan, the four piglets represent the largest litter on record for the species. They are also the first Visayan warty piglets born in the United States since 2022.
Just two weeks later, Makaio fathered another two piglets with Shy, a mother who has previously given birth.
The new arrivals bring the North Carolina Zoo’s total population of Visayan warty pigs to nine.
Zoo officials say the births are particularly important to conservation efforts because the population in U.S. zoos is small and aging. Makaio’s genetics are also newly represented in the population.
“This is a remarkable example of the little miracles happening every day across our Zoo,” said Zoo Director and CEO Dr. Mark Penning. “We are committed to working together with other accredited zoos and aquariums around the world to protect wildlife and wild places for generations to come. Every visit to our Zoo helps support that mission.”
The piglets are among the animals settling into the zoo’s new Asia expansion, which is preparing to welcome visitors next year.
The Asia region, including the Visayan warty pig herd, is scheduled to open to the public at noon on March 1, 2027.
For more information about the North Carolina Zoo and its upcoming expansion, visit their website.
