Sep 3, 2008

The Bornean Bearded Pig

Anyone care to take a stab at guessing why this creature is called the Bornean Bearded Pig? Let's go ahead and unravel this etymological mystery.

Borneo: it's native to the forest floors of Borneo.
Bearded: it looks like it's bearded.
Pig: it's a pig.

This pig is not unlike it's other less bearded cousins. Pigs are highly intelligent, some would argue smarter than dogs. They can even be trained to play computer games (though they were disappointed with Halo 3, and Wii remotes are useless in their cloven hooves). They are highly social and hygenic. Bear in mind that most of the live pigs you have seen are at a farm, fair, petting zoo, or factory. In the wild, they organize along familial lines in herds, are gregarious, and the sows make for very devoted mothers.

If Charlotte's Web had featured the Bornean Bearded Pig, she might have woven, "That Pig's Got Hops!". They can leap a seven foot barrier.

Someone should contact Gillette and have them recruit this critter for their new mascot. Gillette, or Nike. I see a corporate sponsorship in the future.

Photo source: digitalART2

6 comments:

Unknown said...

This Bearded Pig also known as the Bornean Bearded Pig, is a species of pig. It can be recognized by its prominent beard. It also sometimes has tassels on its tail. It is primarily found in Southeast Asia—Sumatra, Borneo, the eastern Philippines—where it inhabits rain forests and mangrove forests.
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julie

Persian Cats and Kittens - Purrinlot Cattery

Anonymous said...

They look like 2 little old men scheming something and cackling. Love the beards! >.<

Anonymous said...

Normally, pigs = cute. However beards on pigs is like a fish with an afro. It is very strange. I'm fighting the urge to pull out a brush and give it a beard braid too.

Meg said...

Gives a whole new meaning to the term "mutton chops" er, uh, would these be "pork chops?"

dave said...

I'm gonna show this picture to my nephews claiming it's Pumba in 53 years and hope they cry.

Anonymous said...

Mainly they look like Jamie Hyneman to me. Someone should make him aware of this.