Utica Zoo mourns loss of Warty Pigs
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The Utica Zoo is in mourning on Wednesday after the death of a pair of animals in their care.
According to a release by the zoo on Wednesday, May 28, Axl and Ace — the zoo's two remaining Visayan Warty Pigs — were humanely euthanized just shy of 17 years old. The two pigs had been at the zoo since 2018 with Ozzy, another of their kind.
The zoo had said that at almost 17 years old, both pigs were at 'a remarkably advanced age for their species.' According to the Wild Pigs Specialty Group, this particular species of pig — native to the Philippines — normally live to be about 18 years old in captivity.
'These pigs were not only ambassadors for their critically endangered species but also vibrant personalities in our zoo family,' Nicole Blance, Veterinary Programs and Records Manager at the Utica Zoo, said in a statement. 'Their presence will be sorely missed, and their legacy will live on in the education and awareness they helped foster for their wild counterparts.'
The zoo said that the decision was made to humanely euthanize the pigs due to progressive decline in their health. The decision was arrived at after consultation with the zoo's veterinary and animal care team, which also took into consideration the pigs' complex social needs.
According to Allison Snyder — the director of communications at the zoo — for pigs like Axl and Ace, the loss of a companion can cause significant psychological stress and increase the risk of injury. Snyder said that after the loss of Ozzy, both pigs observed signs of grief and depression.
According to the zoo, both Axl and Ace spent their final days doing their daily routines, which included rooting in the dirt, rearranging rocks, engaging with enrichment activities and sunbathing together. Snyder said in a statement that the two were provided with additional enrichment, affection from keepers and a variety of their favorite treats.
The zoo says that they will continue to share the story of Axl and Ace to raise awareness about the pigs' challenges in the wild.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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