Publisher's Synopsis
Kunekune Pigs Guide for Beginners
Let me tell you the fascinating story of how Kunekune pigs came to be. These delightful creatures originated in New Zealand, but their story actually begins with the Maori people. The name "Kunekune" comes from the Maori language, meaning "fat and round" - and if you've ever seen one of these adorable pigs, you'll know just how perfectly that name fits!Back in the 1800s, it's believed that Kunekunes were brought to New Zealand by whalers or traders from Asia. The Maori people quickly took to these pigs, recognizing their valuable characteristics as docile, easy-to-manage livestock. They became an integral part of Maori communities, where they were raised for meat and considered a valuable resource.
What's really interesting is that Kunekunes actually came very close to extinction in the 1970s. By 1978, there were only about 50 purebreds Kunekunes left in New Zealand. This is where the story gets pretty amazing - two wildlife park owners, Michael Willis and John Simister, recognized the crisis and launched a dedicated conservation program. They literally went around New Zealand, searching for purebred Kunekunes to save the breed. Through their incredible efforts, and with help from the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand, they managed to gather enough breeding stock to start a recovery program. The success of this program is why we can still enjoy these wonderful pigs today. They carefully matched different bloodlines and worked to maintain the breed's unique characteristics while expanding the population.
During the 1980s, Kunekunes started making their way to other parts of the world. The first ones arrived in Britain in 1992, and it wasn't long before they reached the United States and other countries. Today, while they're still considered a rare breed, their numbers have grown significantly, and they've gained quite a following among hobby farmers and pet owners. Get your copy!!!
