Mini piglets are bundles of joy

A DOZEN rare piglets, that once faced extinction, have been born at a Wadebridge tourist attraction.

Ethel and Gertie, two of the Kune Kune pigs at Cornwall's Crealy each gave birth to six piglets.

Recognised as one of the world's rarest pig breeds, Kune Kune pigs, originate from New Zealand where their numbers declined to just 50 in 1978. In 1988 there were only about 160 purebred Kune Kune pigs, across the entire world.

Then in 1989 the New Zealand Kune Kune Breeder's Association was founded to protect the breed.

In 1993, the British Kune Kune Pig Society was established and numbers in the UK have increased since.

Cornwall Crealy is home to six of these rare Kune Kune pigs, four of which were born in January. The two adult pigs have given birth to the recent litter, which arrived last weekend.

David Wright, one of the family owners of Cornwall's Crealy said: "We are absolutely delighted to have new born Kune Kune piglets here at Cornwall's Crealy. The birth of any baby animal at the park is cause for great celebration, but when they are a rare breed like our Kune Kune pigs and some of our heavy horses, it makes it extra special. Our staff and guests have understandably fallen in love with these adorable piglets, which are turning into real characters already."

Kune Kune is Maori for 'fat and round'. With longer hair than normal, the Kune Kune pigs keep cool in the heat and vary in colour from cream to black, sometimes with spots.

They are smaller than most other breeds, not growing larger than thirty inches high, and weighing between 120 to 240 pounds when fully grown.

Kune Kune are unusual in that they have a different diet to other breeds, eating mainly grass and fresh fruit. Cornwall's Crealy reports that while pregnant the Kune Kune sows particularly loved eating bananas.

The most unusual feature of most Kune Kune pigs is a pair of tassels, called piri piri, under their chin, like a goat.

Mr Wright said: "We are pleased to be able to have this rare breed available on the park. Our guests love them already."

The piglets, which will soon be for sale at Cornwall's Crealy, can be viewed in the attraction's stables. For further information visit www.crealy.co.uk