Kunekune facts for kids
Kunekune at the Hamilton Zoo
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| Conservation status | Rare |
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| Country of origin | New Zealand |
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The Kunekune is a special kind of domestic pig that comes from New Zealand. These pigs are known for being small and having a round, hairy body. They often have two little fleshy bits called wattles hanging under their chins. Kunekune pigs come in many colors, like black, white, ginger, cream, and even a mix of three colors. They are very friendly and calm, which makes them popular as pets.
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History of the Kunekune Pig
The Kunekune pig is thought to have come from an Asian pig breed. Whalers or traders brought these pigs to New Zealand in the early 1800s. They are quite different from the wild pigs, called "Captain Cookers," that came from Europe.
The native Māori people of New Zealand welcomed the Kunekune pigs. The word kunekune comes from the Māori language. It means "fat and round," which perfectly describes these cute pigs.
Saving the Kunekune Breed
By the 1980s, there were only about 50 purebred Kunekune pigs left. They were almost extinct! Two wildlife park owners, Michael Willis and John Simister, started a special program to help them. They encouraged others to join in saving the breed.
Thanks to these efforts, the Kunekune pig is no longer in danger of disappearing. As of 2010, there are groups in New Zealand and the United Kingdom that work to protect and breed them. In 1993, some Kunekune pigs were even brought to the United States from the UK.
What Makes Kunekune Pigs Special?
Kunekune pigs are known for being very smart. A report in 2017 said that these pigs are great at learning from others. They also have an "astonishingly good memory." This means they can remember things for a long time! Their friendly and calm nature also makes them wonderful companions.
What Does a Kunekune Look Like?
Kunekune pigs are covered in hair. This hair can be long or short, and it can be straight or curly. Their hair comes in many colors, including black, brown, ginger, gold, and cream. You can also find them with spotted patterns.
They have a snout that is medium-sized and points slightly upwards. Their snout is often black. Their ears can either hang down a bit or stand upright. Many Kunekune pigs have two small wattles, called piri piri, under their chin.
A Kunekune pig usually stands about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. Adult Kunekune pigs can weigh between 60 and 200 kilograms (about 130 to 440 pounds). Male pigs are usually much heavier than females.
