THREE LITTLE PIGS ON EXHIBIT AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

FEBRUARY 10, 2006

Three critically endangered Visayan warty piglets, born in mid-December, are now on exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, bringing the number of the rare swine at the Zoo to twelve.

Because these animals are so rare and endangered, these births are significant for conservation. This is the Zoo's first litter of the season, but animal care staff is expecting more piglets throughout the spring.

"The piglets are full of energy. They love to climb all over the adult pigs, basically treating the adults like they are pieces of furniture," said Alan Van Luven, senior keeper.

Visayan warty pigs are found on only two islands in the Philippines. Living on a small island can be difficult for animals: they cannot leave to escape predators, food shortages, or hunters. Fortunately, they have done well at the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo is working with other zoos to increase warty pig numbers. The San Diego Zoo is the first facility outside the Philippines to exhibit and breed the critically endangered wild swine.

The one male and two female piglets can be seen playing in their exhibit every day near the entrance of Elephant Mesa, across from the koalas.