The African Elephants and the Kunekune pigs

_Elsa_

“Here we have the African Elephants [Loxodonta africana],” Harry says. “Notice how they are all allowed to roam free in the enclosed area.”  

‘Adult African elephants range between 19 to 24 feet in length and 10 to 11.5 feet tall. These animals can weigh anywhere between 13,000 and 19,000 pounds. Their lifespan is 60-70 years. African elephants are found in most African countries excluding the Sahara and tropical rainforest of the Congo. 

The African elephant generally has no natural predators because of its great size.  

The African elephant is the largest living land-dwelling animal. Until recently, they were broken down into two subspecies, the African bush elephant, and the African forest elephant, but these two groupings are now largely considered to be two separate populations of the same species. 

African elephants are herbivorous animals, meaning they eat shrubbery, vines, herbs and tree leaves.’ (Source)

“Just up ahead we have the Kunekune Pigs [Sus scrofa domesticus],” Harry says.

‘Kunekune pigs weigh 120 to 240 pounds and their lifespan is up to 18 years. When kunekune pigs were brought to New Zealand, the Maori people gave them the name kune, which means, fat and round.

Although their native range is now New Zealand, it is believed that wild kunekune pigs were originally brought to New Zealand from Asia. Kunekune pigs are domesticated and are often found on farms or kept as pets in urban areas. 

One of the characteristics that make kunekune pigs unique are their piri, which are the ornamental tassels that hang from their lower jaws. Although not every kunekune pig has piri, it is one of the notable markings of this species. Their coats come in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from solid colors to a mix of colors in a variety of patterns including spots or speckling. Their hair can also be a variety of lengths and textures, and can be straight, curly, or anywhere in between. Kunekune pigs’ hair changes dramatically throughout the year, thinning and sometimes falling out in the summer and thickening in the colder months.

Kunekune pigs were nearly extinct in the 1970s, but thanks to conservation efforts their populations were stabilized, although they are still considered exotic pets in some places.’ (Source) 

“Does anyone have any questions for me?” asks Harry. 

Let’s continue - The African Lions and the Amur Tigers

Start at the beginning – The girls go to the zoo