Meet the New Peccaries: Unique Newcomers to the Little Rock Zoo

Photo Credit: Karen Caster

LITTLE ROCK (September 5, 2024) – The Little Rock Zoo is excited to welcome a new male and female peccary from the Knoxville Zoo, joining our two resident females. These arrivals, based on careful recommendations from the Species Survival Plan (SSP), are a key step in our ongoing conservation efforts. With this new pair, we’re hopeful for the possibility of expanding our peccary family in the near future. This addition not only strengthens our commitment to species conservation but also enriches the diversity of our wildlife collection, offering guests a closer look at these unique and often misunderstood animals.

What Is a Peccary?

Peccaries are fascinating mammals that are often confused with pigs, but they belong to a separate family known as Tayassuidae. Native to the Americas, peccaries are incredibly adaptable and can be found in diverse environments, from arid deserts to dense tropical forests.

Unlike pigs, which belong to the Suidae family, peccaries have several distinctive features. One of the most notable differences is their size and build: peccaries are generally smaller and more compact than domestic pigs. They have a unique social structure, often forming groups called "herds," which are typically led by a dominant individual. This social behavior contrasts with the more solitary nature of many pig species.

Peccaries also have specialized adaptations for their environment. Their sturdy legs and broad, flat hooves are well-suited for traversing various terrains, including the rough and rocky ground of desert regions. Additionally, peccaries have a specialized gland on their back that secretes a strong-smelling substance used for marking territory. This scent marking is crucial for communication within their herds.

Chacoan peccaries-the species at the Little Rock Zoo- are particularly noteworthy due to their endangered status. They have specialized needs and are adapted to specific ecological niches, which makes their conservation even more critical. Their distinctive appearance includes a dark, coarse coat and a relatively large size compared to other peccary species.

By welcoming these Chacoan peccaries to our Zoo, we aim to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of this rare species while supporting vital conservation efforts. Their presence not only enriches our Zoo’s diverse animal collection but also underscores the importance of preserving these remarkable animals and their natural habitats.

A Critical Conservation Effort

The arrival of these peccary is the result of careful planning and coordination through the SSP, a program dedicated to the management of threatened and endangered species within accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The SSP's breeding recommendations are based on genetic diversity and overall population health, ensuring the long-term survival of species like the peccary.

Peccaries face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock. By participating in the SSP, the Little Rock Zoo contributes to the global efforts to protect these unique animals and maintain a genetically diverse population that could one day bolster wild populations.

Come Meet Our New Peccary Pair!

We invite you to visit the Little Rock Zoo and meet our new peccary pair in person! You can find these remarkable creatures in the grasslands area outside the Cheetah Outpost, near the anteaters and maned wolves. As you explore the Zoo, you'll not only encounter these new residents but also learn about the critical conservation work being done to protect species around the world. Your visit helps support our ongoing efforts to conserve wildlife and educate the public about the importance of biodiversity.

Plan your trip today and be sure to stop by the peccary habitat for a close-up view of our newest residents!