Suche
New offspring at Görlitz Zoo: Eleven piglets bring joy!
The Görlitz-Zgorzelec Zoo welcomes eleven piglets of the endangered red-colored Husum pig breed. Find out more about the breeding success and importance of these animals.
New offspring at Görlitz Zoo: Eleven piglets bring joy!
Yesterday there was double reason to be happy at the Görlitz-Zgorzelec Nature Conservation Zoo. This time, animal lovers can look forward to “eleven cheerful piglets” that have seen the light of day. The proud mother is the still young red colored Husum pig Mamma Alva, who masters the role of mother straight away with her (almost) youthful strength. Zoo inspector Steffi Späthe raves about the new mother and the lively piglets, who create a great atmosphere with their happy squeaks.
This enriches the family in Görlitz again; Alva's sister Hedda also has news: she is also expecting children. This species, the red-colored Husum pig, is not only known for its charming appearance, but also has a deep-rooted history. Originally used by the Danes in North Frisia as a secret symbol for their red and white flag, the breed almost disappeared from the face of the earth in the 1960s, but was rediscovered in the 1980s thanks to dedicated breeders. The Rotbuntes Husumer Pig interest group is actively committed to the preservation and pure-bred breeding of this historic farm animal breed reports MDR.
Red colored Husum pigs as part of the heritage
The importance of the Red Holstein Husum pigs goes beyond the zoo and is seen as part of a larger whole. Old livestock breeds are currently under pressure. Year after year, the Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds (GEH) highlights the threat to all those who are marginalized in modern agriculture. Of the 81 native livestock breeds in Germany, including horses, cattle and sheep, more than two thirds are considered endangered the German Agricultural Council noted.
The threat is often a result of rationalization and specialization in agriculture, where old and versatile breeds are often disadvantaged without competitive pressure. These animals are not only attractive livestock, but also potential genetic resources that are adapted to specific site conditions and weather conditions. The GEH has recorded more than 100 livestock breeds in its Red List, with the risk levels based on a risk indicator that takes various risk factors into account.
Tips for Supporting Vulnerable Breeds
There are numerous ways consumers can support endangered breeds. Whether by purchasing their products or taking on sponsorships – everyone can actively contribute! An example of the success of these initiatives is the colorful Bentheimer pig, which now has a remarkable population of 572 sows and 162 boars. The Gelbvieh was named the 2025 Endangered Livestock Breed of the Year, a move to draw attention to these important breeds according to the report of the German Agricultural Council.
The positive news from Görlitz is a reason to keep our heads up about such topics. Such piglets and the efforts to preserve ancient breeds are a living part of our culture and a beautiful reminder of the importance of preserving these treasures. Maybe in the happy piglets from Görlitz we will not only find animal joy, but also the inspiration to do a little more to preserve our local animal species.