ASHEBORO — While the North Carolina Zoo, a division of N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is busy preparing for the public opening of its acclaimed Asia expansion, the animal residents within the region have been equally busy — adjusting to their new habitats, building trust with caregivers, and even putting down roots in the heart of North Carolina.
“Our Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of six Visayan warty piglets here in Asheboro, including four from a single litter,” says Curator Jenn Ireland. “This is a wonderful development considering the species is critically endangered and in rapid population decline due habitat loss and hunting.”
As of this summer, there were only about 30 of these pigs housed within zoos across the United States and approximately 200 remaining in the wild. Outside of human care, the species can only be found on two small islands in the Philippines.
According to the Species Survival Plan, 8-year-old Buddy (mom) and 7-year-old Makaio (dad) have produced the largest litter on record at four offspring. Their piglets were the first to be born in the United States since 2022.
Makaio also fathered two more piglets with second-time mom Shy. Their litter was born just two weeks after Makaio’s first, bringing the Zoo’s total number of Visayan warty pigs to nine.
Zoo officials say the piglets are incredibly valuable to the small, aging population of Visayan warty pigs nationwide, especially since Makaio's genetics are newly represented.
“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 Asia region, including the Visayan warty pig sounder (or herd), will officially welcome guests beginning at noon on March 1, 2027. For the latest news and updates, visit www.nczoo.org or follow the North Carolina Zoo’s social media accounts (@nczoo).
