Guinea hog piglets born at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT — Five Guinea hog piglets were born at the Beardsley Zoo earlier this month and are now on display for visitors when they aren’t napping with mom in their habitat.
Zoo officials said the piglets were born on Saturday after a 114-day gestation period.
Pigles are born with their eyes open and are immediately able to walk around. Visitors to the zoo can see the litter of three boys and two girls outside at the Scinto Family Pig Pen. All five piglets are healthy and active, officials said.
“This is a great time of year to visit the zoo and witness the new life that this time of year brings — whether it’s the new baby animals or the beautiful flowers that are in bloom,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Piglets are some of the most recognizable animals to small children, so we invite everyone to enjoy spring in the Farmyard and help us welcome our adorable new members of the zoo family.”
The piglets were born to parents Harry Plopper — the zoo’s animal mayor — and Ethel, one of Harry’s two female companions at the zoo. Ethel and Harry Plopper arrived at the zoo last June from New York. They were both born in March 2021.
To give Ethel and the babies some space, zoo personnel have moved Harry Plopper to a new home next to the Dexter cows.
The other Guinea hog sow, Doris, is expected to give birth soon as well.
The New England Farmyard — the habitat the Guinea hogs can be found in — underwent recent renovations, including new barns, pastures and enclosures for the goats, cows, miniature horses, Guinea hogs, chickens, geese and ducks.
Guinea hogs are a livestock breed that almost went completely extinct at one point, the zoo said. Hogs were originally bred for small family farms. They grow to a height of 21 to 24 inches and weigh anywhere from 150 to 300 pounds. They have an advanced sense of taste and can use it to quickly identify objects. They have a substantial memory and are quick learners.