New at the zoo: Four Alpine chamois and a Kunekune boar

There are new arrivals at Hellabrunn Zoo! Four Alpine chamois, a species native to the Bavarian Alps, have moved into the marmot enclosure. The zoo has also welcomed a Kunekune boar who is temporarily residing in Hellabrunn’s Mühlendorf village. The latter has been introduced in a bid to produce new offspring of this rare pig breed. The arrival of new residents in an unoccupied habitat that lies between the Isar entrance and the lion enclosure offers additional excitement at the zoo. The former marmot enclosure, where the rodents spent their winters in underground burrows, is now home to the Alpine chamois. These mountain goat-antelopes, known for their excellent climbing skills, offer visitors a fascinating insight into the wildlife of the Alps. Chamois are found in the Alps, including the Bavarian Alps, but can often only be spotted from a great distance.

"Alpine chamois are not only impressive climbers, but also an important part of Alpine ecosystems," says curator Lena Bockreiß. "The arrival of the four goats at Hellabrunn is part of our plan to introduce visitors to an even greater variety of animals from local mountain regions."

Although Alpine chamois are not endangered, they face challenges caused by human activity in winter. Chamois typically need to conserve energy during the cold months by lowering their body temperature and heart rate. However, disturbances from winter sports enthusiasts and hikers who leave marked trails can lead to depletion of their energy reserves. Retreat areas should therefore be respected and avoided. In the wild, Alpine chamois have a lifespan of up to 20 years.

Besides the Alpine chamois, there is also a new addition to the Kunekune pig group living in the Mühlendorf: a boar, who is expected to produce offspring, ensuring that there will be a bunch of piglets in the zoo’s Bavarian-style village in late summer. He will stay at Hellabrunn Zoo for a few weeks.

The Kunekune breed originates from New Zealand, where it was kept as a free-range pig by the Maori, the indigenous people. In the 1970s, the breed was ‘rediscovered’ teetering on the brink of extinction. A conservation breeding programme was subsequently launched with the remaining 18 individuals. Since 2018, Hellabrunn Zoo has been actively involved in continuing these conservation efforts.

Kunekune pigs are characterised by their robust health and outstanding adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, making them a valuable breed for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, breeding these pigs helps preserve the species' genetic diversity and supports the preservation of traditional livestock species.