The Pig Patch
Colchester’s Zoo’s Pig Patch houses our group of Oxford sandy & black pigs and is located between Familiar Friends and Sensation Station
Although this pig species is not listed on the IUCN Red List, this breed is classed as ‘At Risk’ in the UK by The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST),
with around just 300 individuals remaining in the UK.
Animals in The Pig Patch
Oxford Sandy & Black Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)
This pig, which is sometimes referred to as the 'Plum Pudding' or 'Oxford Forest Pig', is one of the oldest British pig breeds, having existed for around 200 - 300 years.
They are believed to have originated in the Oxfordshire region, but can now be found all over the UK.
This pig is hardy and particularly suited to living outside, as they are good foragers, and their black and tan markings help to protect them from the sun.