Earlier this month, the North Carolina Zoo announced the birth of six critically endangered Visayan warty piglets within its new Asia region, which is set to open March 1, 2027. Now, the Zoo is asking for the public’s assistance to name one of the two litters.
Visayan warty pigs are one of the rarest pigs in the world, with only about three dozen of these critically endangered pigs housed at zoos within the United States. They are found in the wild only on two Philippine islands: Negros and Panay. According to the Species Survival Plan (SSP), the Zoo’s four-piglet litter is the largest on record, born to 8-year-old Buddy (mom) and 7-year-old Makaio (dad). Theirs was also the first litter to be born in America since 2022. Makaio went on to father two additional piglets with second-time mom Shy.
“We have a total of six piglets in need of names," says Zoo Director and CEO Dr. Mark Penning. “Two piglets will be named by Zoo staff, and the remaining four will be named by our loyal Guests and online followers. This incredible conservation success story belongs to all of us, so we are inviting each of you to get involved with selection of the winning names.”
The piglet naming poll for 4 of the 6 piglets opens on Friday, Oct. 23 and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. The public may cast votes for one male and three female piglets at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MH5MQR5. The winning names will be announced on Monday, Nov. 2.
"These warty piglets are symbolic of a much larger wildlife conservation effort, representing dozens of critically endangered species we are actively working to save in the wild," says Deputy Director Diane Villa. "By choosing to visit our Zoo, Guests are supporting wildlife conservation efforts led by our team members locally and around the world."
The piglets continue to grow and thrive inside the Zoo's Asia region, away from the public eye. However, interested followers may track their progress via the Zoo's social media channels (@nczoo) or learn more at www.nczoo.org.
About the North Carolina Zoo
At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world's largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature's diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature's diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.