Yorkshire Wildlife Park has welcomed an extremely cute and unexpected new arrival

The Visayan Warty Piglet is already wowing visitors after stepping out into the reserve for the first time – obediently following mum Trish.

He was joined by dad Troy and their five other piglets, who were born in 2018.

His arrival on 10th July was a big shock to rangers - Trish had showed no signs of being pregnant. A solitary piglet is very rare - litters of three or four are the normal for the species.

Greg Clifton, Team Leader said: ‘Our young piglet’s arrival was a complete surprise to us, but he is now keeping very well. Mum Trish is doing a great job with her new baby and he seems to enjoy getting all her attention.

“He is super cute and is proving to be extremely popular with visitors.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been working with the EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP) and the piglets are playing an important step in the global conservation for the species.

Trish and Troy are part of an international programme to support the Visayan Warty Pig - a forest dwelling relative of the pig - which is now extinct in 98 per cent of its former range in the Philippines. The piglets can be recognised by their stripy coat to help camouflage them while they are young.

Hunting and deforestation is pushing this species to extinction and the piglets will offer hope for the future to stop their species becoming extinct.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, located in Branton near Doncaster, puts conservation at the heart of all its activities.

Since opening in 2009 YWP has become the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative wildlife attraction - offering families an entertaining and unforgettable day out. Its expansive site has proved very popular with everyone this summer who have been heading for the great outdoors. Due to Covid restrictions, advance booking online is required