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Mangalitza
Wolly pigs- Mangalitza pig
The Mangalitsa pig, also known as the woolly pig, is a true curiosity in the world of pigs. With its curly coat, it almost looks like a sheep in disguise! This unique pig breed originates from Southeast Europe and is particularly common in Hungary. Its coat comes in various colors, such as white and reddish-brown, and the piglets even have tiger-like stripes—just like little wild boars.
But it's not just the appearance that makes the Mangalitsa special. It has a thick layer of fat that keeps it warm all year round, allowing it to thrive outdoors even in cold weather. It is also an expert at foraging in the forest but never turns down a meal of corn, maize, or vegetables from the farm. With its curved snout, forward-pointing ears, and sturdy build, it almost looks like a mix between a wild boar and a teddy bear.
History
The history of the Mangalitsa pig is quite fascinating. It originates from a mix of old pig breeds from Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary and got its name from the Serbo-Croatian word mangulica, which means "chubby"—a rather fitting description! In the 19th century, selective breeding of the breed began, and in 1927, it was officially recognized in Hungary.
The Mangalitsa was highly popular during World War II, but after the war, its population plummeted. By the 1970s, it was nearly extinct, but Hungarian authorities stepped in and saved it from disappearing completely. Today, interest in this unique pig has skyrocketed, gaining fans worldwide—from Norway and Denmark to the USA and the UK.
And then there's the matter of pig intelligence—Mangalitsa pigs aren’t just fluffy eye-catchers; they’re also among the smartest animals on the farm! Despite their wild boar ancestry, they are social, friendly, and curious. So next time you see a Mangalitsa pig, remember—you’re looking at a woolly, food-loving, and highly intelligent pig that truly deserves the spotlight!
Mangalitza in Tangen Dyrepark
At Tangen Zoo, we have two Mangalitsa pigs! Our two woolly friends were rehomed and moved in with us in late summer 2024. Here, they’ve been given a spacious new enclosure, which they absolutely love digging in.
Meet Oscar and Pigalopp! Oscar is a calm and curious boy who always wants to know what we're up to. Pigalopp, on the other hand, follows us everywhere—though mostly in the hopes of getting food! She is highly food-motivated and always thrilled when mealtime arrives.
Both pigs love a good scratch, but beware! They have large teeth and can bite hard! For this reason, we kindly ask our visitors not to pet the Mangalitsa pigs—no matter how fluffy and adorable they may be!
Status: Not relevant
Last assessed: 00.00.0000
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For some animals the IUCN red list is not relevant, since they are domesticated animals.
IUCN- Red list
Did you know?
Outdoor pigs
The wolly pigs has a thick layer of fat, and a fur thath reminds you of the sheep. They are therefore well suited to staying outdoors all year round.
Slow growth
​The Mangalitsa pig grows more slowly than the typical farm pig. While a regular pig reaches adulthood at 12 months, the Mangalitsa is fully grown at around 13–14 months.
Boar - Barrows
​A male pig is often called a boar. However, if they are castrated, they are referred to as barrows.