It’s Kind of a Pig Deal! Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Welcomes Endangered Chacoan Peccaries

December 1, 2022

The four males represent a new species for the zoo and move into a newly renovated and expanded habitat 

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is excited to welcome four male Chacoan peccaries, an endangered pig-like species, to the zoo family. The peccaries have moved into a newly expanded habitat, partly funded by Happy Hollow Foundation. 

“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. 

Chacoan peccaries, also known as tagua in Paraguay, were once thought to be extinct and known only from fossil remains. In 1975, living individuals of this species were found in the Gran Chaco area of South America, a region that includes parts of Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. Animals living in this area face threats of habitat destruction from agriculture, ranching, hunting, and invasive species. 

Chacoan peccaries are part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which coordinates the placement of individual members of the species at zoos and sanctuaries nationwide and ensures that breeding activity supports the genetic health and long-term viability of the species. 

 

At first glance, peccaries appear similar to pigs but are a distinct type of animal with unique physical features. Pig teeth grow out and up into their characteristic tusks, while peccary teeth stay shorter and straight. Pig ears are large and pointed while peccary ears are small and rounded. Similarly, pig tails are larger and more conspicuous, and peccary tails are small and inconsequential. 

The peccaries will live in the newly renovated Chacoan peccary habitat. The former collared peccary and Parrot Island habitats in the Zoo in the Hollow, the lower section of the park and zoo, were combined and renovated to create a space nearly twice as large as the original habitat that can safely and comfortably house more animals and allow for potential breeding in the future. While Happy Hollow will initially house a male-only cohort, the new habitat includes two animal shelters and three separate yards to allow for the possibility of breeding in the future. 

The current operating hours of the park and zoo are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From December 19, 2022 through the end of the year, operating hours will be extended to include Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Happy Hollow will close at 2 p.m. on December 24, 2022 and will be closed on December 25, 2022. Plan your visit at happyhollow.org.