Meet Mary & CeeCee
Mary and CeeCee are our fabulous Kunekune pigs. 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. The Maori people of New Zealand gave them their name ‘Kune Kune’, which means fat and round.
Here at Greenlands we have two female Kune kune pigs, CeeCee & her daughter Mary. Kune pigs are not a very active species, so you will most likely find them sleeping, wallowing in mud, or looking for her food.
Fun Facts:
- In the 1970’s the species faced extinction, with only nine pure bred Kunekunes left in New Zealand!
- Unlike other pigs, they can survive on grass alone!
- Some Kunekunes have wattles (small fleshy tassles) called ‘pire pire’, hanging under their chin!
- They are one of the smallest species of domestic pig, and are often referred to as ‘teacup pigs’ or ‘mini pigs’, even though they will grow to be up to 100kg!
- Pua in the Disney film Moana, is actually a KuneKune pig!