2 days ago
Pig at Edinburgh Zoo 'oldest in the world' as it hits 23rd birthday
An animal at the Edinburgh Zoo is the oldest of her species in the world, and she just turned a year older.
Mina the Visayan warty pig celebrated her 23rd birthday today on Saturday, August 16. The mammal is the oldest recorded of her species.
Visayan warty pigs usually only live until 15-years-old, according to Edinburgh Zoo.
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She ushered in the big day with a birthday cake make of sweet potato, blueberries, and a peanut 'candle'.
Adorable photos were shared on Edinburgh Zoo's social media, showing Mina snacking on her treats beside a box reading, "Happy 23rd Birthday, Mina".
Visayan warty pigs are native to the Visayan islands - an archipelago in the Philippines - but can only now be found on two of the islands, having become extinct on the other four due to hunting and habitat loss.
Warts on the boar's face are part of a defence mechanism, designed to protect them from sharp tusks when fighting occurs.
Boars also grow thick, hairy manes which they can raise to increase their size and presence, according to Edinburgh Zoo. The Zoo cares for a group of nine warty pigs, including Mina.
A post on the Edinburgh Zoo's Instagram reads: "Happy birthday, Mina! At 23 years old she is currently the oldest recorded Visayan warty pig!
"In the wild they typically live to be 15. Mina's age is testament to the great care she receives from our keepers and vets. "Her special birthday cake is made up of sweet potato, blueberries and a peanut 'candle'".
Delighted followers commented on the post to with Mina well on her birthday.
One commented: "Happiest of birthdays Mina enjoy your special day".
Another shared: "Happy birthday, beautiful".
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