The Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has welcomed four new snorting members to its zoo family—the pig-like endangered Chacoan peccaries.
The bristle-haired, tough-snouted animals from South America have moved into a newly renovated and expanded habitat funded by the zoo's nonprofit foundation, zoo officials said last week.
The species was once considered to be extinct, only documented from fossil fragments, until some individuals were found in the Gran Chaco area of South America in the 1970s, according to the zoo. The males joining the zoo in San Jose are four in roughly 3,000 peccaries left in the world.Though pig-like on first glance, peccaries have unique features that make them their own distinct species.
The nationwide zoo and sanctuary strategy to protect endangered species, called the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, listed peccaries as a priority animal to support. The recently renovated habitat gives the zoo the opportunity to potentially breed and house more peccaries, said the zoo.
"Adding this endangered species to Happy Hollow strengthens our commitment to the conservation of species that need our help while allowing zoo visitors the opportunity to connect with an animal they might not otherwise get the chance to see in person," said Amber Rindy, Happy Hollow Zoo manager. © 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Hollow-Body Hold Will Supercharge Your Next Abs WorkoutYour core will burn—no movement required!
Read more »
Beloved Dallas Zoo Tiger Passes AwayManis, an 18-year-old tiger at the Dallas Zoo, died after showing signs of kidney failure, the zoo announced
Read more »
Two rare Galápagos tortoises stolen from Florida zooZoo staff are asking the public for information after two members of the endangered species were taken last week.
Read more »
The Cape May County Zoo needs your help naming two new toco toucansThe newest additions to arrive at the Cape May County Zoo are in need of names!
Read more »
Chicago’s Neighborhood Small Businesses Hope for Happy Holiday Shopping SeasonBetween supply chain problems, inflation and the shadow of a pandemic, the outlook for small retail and food businesses in Chicago continues to be uncertain this holiday season. LatinoVoicesWTTW
Read more »
No more drama: The game theory guide to a happy family holidayFrom who will host to who will have the last piece of cake, ‘tis the season to bicker like wild animals Have yourself a merrier little Christmas with our game theory guide to a happy family holiday NewScientistAdventCalendar
Read more »