ARCHIVED - Albino Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs born in Terra Natura Murcia

This miniature variety only reach 40cm in height when adult

The phenomenon of albinism is by no means restricted to human beings, and in fact in nature this genetic condition occurs relatively frequently. Therefore the birth of three albino Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) among a litter of five piglets in Terra Natura Murcia is a noteworthy event, but not as surprising as some might imagine.

The parents of the litter were named “Gusty” and “Lolo” by keepers at the zoological park when they arrived in February, and after only a little more than six months they successfully mated. Now they are celebrating their first litter, including three examples of the albino genetic condition which can occur in any species, and which normally involves the congenital lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes.

The three albino piglets have a whitish skin, while the other two members of the litter share the same black colouring as their parents. Each piglet weighed 300 grams at birth and was about 20 centimetres long, and as soon as keepers completed a thorough medical check-up they informed that there are three females and two males among them.

Young piglets normally share a close relationship with their parents, and the family remains closely grouped together in order to maintain body heat and protect the young from possible predators. Weaning begins when the piglets are three months old, and at this point they start to become independent and feed themselves.
The Vietnamese pigs in the Terra Natura Murcia park belong to a very small variety, and even the adults reach a height of only about 40 centimetres.

There’s an excellent offer throughout the autumn at the Terra Natura in Murcia: Basically, anyone purchasing a normal entry ticket for the Wildlife park installations on the outskirts of Murcia will be given a free pass, entitling them to go back as many times as they want to between 21st September and the 6th January.
It’s a great way of going along to have a look around the park and facilities in advance, checking out the parking and location to avoid tears on the day, then going back again with the grandchildren to give them a great day out at the park when theyre visiting during the festive season

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