These unique pigs are descended from animals released on the subantarctic Auckland Islands in the 19th century to provide food for shipwrecked sailors. They have recently become international pin-ups for bioprospecting. Isolated from people and other pigs for a long time, they are the only pigs in the world with cells that can be used to help provide a cure for type-1 diabetes in humans. Now bred in a specially-built multi-million dollar centre in Invercargill, they are used to produce medicines for sale worldwide.
Using this item
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.