BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut - May 15, 2015 - Hampton J. Pig and Olivia have done it again - welcoming a litter of six again this year - the sixth year in a row these lovers have produced piglets. Hampton and Olivia are both eight-year-old Guinea Hogs. The six piglets, as well as their parents, are currently on exhibit at the Zoo through the summer season. Visitors are invited to come to the Zoo to meet the rambunctious new additions to the Zoo's family.
"All of the piglets are doing well and spend their days eating, sleeping and playing with their siblings," reported Zoo Director Gregg Dancho.
The piglets range in weight from just under one pound to two pounds. When fully grown, Guinea Hogs may reach 100 to 300 pounds. They also are known as Pineywoods Guinea, Acorn eater, Guinea Forest hog, and Yard pig. According to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), the hogs were once the most numerous pig breed found on farms in the Southeast but today there are fewer than 200. Guinea hogs are classified as critical, versus endangered, by ALBC and are unique to the United States.
The Zoo exhibits the Guinea Hogs in the New England Farmyard. The Zoo's one male and two female Guinea Hogs came from Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita and Virginia Zoo respectively.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $14.00. Children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $11.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge.