The two furry Mangalitsa pigs at the Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch

by James Scott

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk

After the sad deaths of the Tamworth Two the Rare Breeds Centre at Woodchurch has gone the whole hog and brought in two new additions.

The famous pigs Butch and Sundance, who enjoyed a week on the run after escaping from an abattoir-bound lorry in 1998, lived in Woodchurch until they both died earlier this year.

But not wanting to boar their visitors, the centre has brought in furry replacements in the form of two Mangalitsa pigs. The unusual breed, which originates from Hungary, grow a woolly fleece and were bred for lard rather than meat.

The animals, a boar and a sow, are yet to be named so staff would like people to come up with suggestions.

Events and marketing manager Nikki Sara said: “These unusual pigs are already proving popular with visitors and once they have grown into their woolly coats they will be even more eye-catching.

“But we can’t just call them the pigs – they need names.”
“They’re are already hogging the limelight, so they need memorable and fun names. We look forward to people’s suggestions.”

The duo’s predecessors, named after Wild West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, gained the attention of the international media after their escape from the butcher’s cleaver more than a decade ago.

After their week of freedom, the pigs were caught and bought by a national newspaper before being moved to Woodchurch. Butch was put to sleep aged 13 in October, and her brother Sundance, aged 14, suffered from arthritis and was put down seven months later in May.

Visitors can leave their name suggestions, along with contact details, in a box in the Rare Breeds shop or via email to competitions@rarebreeds.org.uk
The winning entry will win a family ticket for two adults and two children.
The deadline for entries is noon on Monday, September 12.
For more information go to www.rarebreeds.org.uk