When people picture a pig, they usually imagine something big and pink rolling around in the mud. Then they meet our Kune Kune pigs and everything changes. Kune Kunes are small, round, hairy and some of the friendliest animals on the whole farm. If you haven't met one yet, you're in for a treat.
A pig from New Zealand
Kune Kune (pronounced COO-nee COO-nee) pigs come from New Zealand, where they were kept by the Māori people. The name is often translated as "fat and round," which, honestly, is a perfect description. At one point the breed became very rare, and dedicated breeders worked to bring it back. Today, Kune Kunes are loved on small farms all over the world.
How to spot a Kune Kune
- Size: They're a smaller breed, much smaller than a typical farm hog.
- Shape: Short legs, round bodies and a short, upturned snout.
- Hair: Their coats can be short and smooth or long and curly, in lots of colors and patterns.
- Wattles: Many Kune Kunes have two little tassels of skin hanging under their chin, called wattles. Not every Kune Kune has them, but when they do, they're adorable.
Pigs that graze
Here's something that surprises a lot of people: Kune Kunes are grazers. Their short snouts make them better at munching grass than digging up the ground, so you'll often see them out in the pasture nibbling away, a lot like a sheep or a cow would.
Big personalities
Kune Kunes are known for being calm, social and people-friendly. They love attention and a good scratch, and many of them are very chatty, with grunts and squeaks that seem to say, "Oh, hello! Who are you?" Pigs are also very smart animals, so they're always paying attention to what's going on around them.
Please don't feed the pigs
We know those little faces are hard to resist, but please don't feed the pigs. Our pigs are on a carefully planned diet to keep them healthy, and extra snacks, even "healthy" ones, can upset their tummies and their weight. Pigs are also very food-motivated, so feeding them can lead to pushy behavior. You can still enjoy watching them graze, chat and show off their charm.
A few more farm reminders
- No outside food: It keeps our animals safe and healthy.
- No pets: Please leave furry family members at home.
- Feed with a flat hand: For animals you're allowed to feed, a flat hand keeps fingers safe.
- Ask our staff: They're happy to tell you which animals can have treats.
Come meet the pigs
Our Kune Kunes are one of those animals that win people over in about five seconds. Come say hello and see for yourself why they're some of the friendliest pigs around. Check our website for current tours, and if you have questions, our FAQ page is a great place to start.
