Miniature pig euthanised aged 11 after health decline as park celebrates arrival of ‘David Alpacanborough’
FOLLY FARM has announced the sad passing of one of its much-loved miniature pigs, Sylvester, while also celebrating the arrival of a new baby alpaca.
Sylvester, who was 11 years old, had been living with a number of health issues in recent years, including arthritis. Folly Farm said his condition had been well managed by the farm team alongside its on-site veterinary partners, who visit the attraction each week.
However, following a recent decline in his health, the difficult decision was made to euthanise him at the end of last week.
In a statement, Folly Farm described Sylvester as a well-known and much-loved character, who arrived at the park as a piglet with his long-time companion and “partner in crime”, Arnie.
The farm said Sylvester was the quieter of the two, often happy to let Arnie take centre stage during meet-and-greet sessions in the Jolly Barn.
Last year, the pair retired to the Piggery and paddocks over the road, where Arnie can still be seen alongside other pigs.
Two new miniature piglets, Wilbur and Rufus, joined Folly Farm late last year and are now based in the Jolly Barn.
Folly Farm said its thoughts were with the farm team and added: “We’ll miss you Sylvester.”
Meanwhile, the attraction has also shared happier news with the arrival of a new baby alpaca, born to first-time mum Carina on Wednesday, April 22 – which also happened to be World Earth Day.
The cria has been named “David Alpacanborough”, in a nod to the famous broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, whose birthday falls later this month.
Visitors can see David Alpacanborough and Carina in the farm paddocks during a trip on the Land Train or while walking through the rare breed area.
