Kunekune

The Kunekune (also Kune kune, Kune-kune or Kune; pronounced "coonie coonie") is a small, distinctive breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekunes are hairy, and have a dumpy build and unusual tassels (or pire pire) hanging from their lower jaw. Colour ranges include black and white, white, gold, tan and brown. They have a placid, friendly nature and like the pot-bellied pig are now often kept as farmyard pets.

Origin

They are believed to be descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 1800s by whalers or traders, 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

It is unclear how widespread the breed was at its peak, but by the 1980s it was estimated that there were fifty or fewer purebred Kunekune pigs left. Michael Willis and John Simister, two wildlife park owners, started a breeding recovery programme, which in turn encouraged other recovery efforts. Currently the breed is in no danger, with active breed societies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.