These little piggies are just zoo's cup of tea

Published on Wednesday 28 January 2009 09:02

IF it's true that the best things come in small packages, then these four tiny piglets will be world-beaters.

Known as "micro" or "teacup" pigs – because at birth they are generally about the size of a traditional teacup – they are the latest attraction at the Five Sisters Zoo, near Polbeth, West Lothian.

At two weeks old, they are still small enough to easily live up to their name and fit into a mug, and the breed does not grow much bigger than 12 to 15 inches long.

A cross between Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and Kunekune from New Zealand, they originate from Asia, and are now becoming increasingly popular as pets.

The Polbeth piglets – as yet unnamed – are the first litter of Mork and Mindy, who came at the zoo two years ago, from a site in Wales and a wildlife park in Fife.

Proud owners Brian and Shirley Curran are now being kept on their toes trying to keep up with the new arrivals.

"We were keeping a fairly close eye on them, as we knew Mindy was pregnant, but we weren't exactly sure when they would arrive," said Mr Curran.

"In the end it was no trouble at all though, and they were all born in about ten minutes.

"They are incredibly healthy, and it was surprising to see how quickly they were up and about.

"They move like lightning now and it can be difficult to keep track of them, but fortunately they are not straying too far from their heated enclosure at the moment."

The teacup pigs have been growing in popularity as pets in recent years, although they are still fairly rare in Scotland. The animals are seen as ideal pets because they are small, light and can even be house-trained fairly easily.

The micro-pigs are the latest addition to the zoo's growing collection and the owners are hopeful they will provide a much needed boost to visitor numbers as they continue a campaign to keep the attraction open.

The popular zoo is home to 350 animals of all shapes and sizes, but its future has been put under threat due to the recession.

Inhabitants of the zoo, including exotic birds, reptiles, wildcats, reindeer, monkeys, bats and insects, cost around 400 a week to feed and the extra pressures caused by the recession, which have seen visitor numbers drop as costs increase, have left the zoo facing possible closure.

The owners warned last year that the period up to this Easter would be "make or break" and Mr Curran said he had been "overwhelmed" by the response.

"Our visitor numbers are up for this time of year as well, which is a big help, but we are still making a loss sadly," he said.

A fundraising committee, Friends of the Zoo, has been set up, and anyone wishing to help should call 01506-871111.