The Kunekune (also Kune kune, Kune-kune pronounced "coonie coonie") is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekunes are hairy, and have a dumpy build and can have wattles (or pire pire) hanging from their lower jaw. Colour ranges include black and white, ginger, white, gold, tan and brown. They have a placid, friendly nature and like the pot-bellied pig are now often kept as pets.
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Origin
They are believed to be descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 1800s by whalers or traders[1], and are markedly different from the feral pig known in New Zealand as a "Captain Cooker". Kunekunes were kept by the native Māori people, and kunekune means "chubby" in the Māori language.
Rarity
By the 1980s it was estimated that there were around 50 purebred Kunekune pigs left. Michael Willis and John Simister, wildlife park owners, started a breeding recovery program, which in turn encouraged other recovery efforts. The breed is now in no danger, with breed societies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Particularly known for their popularity in West Wales, namely Maespompren.
References
External links
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