Dayan, a Male Sulawesi Babirusa Piglet, Born at Tierpark Berlin
Berlin, August 11 – Tierpark Berlin announced the birth of a male Sulawesi babirusa piglet on July 27. The newborn, named Dayan, is the fourth offspring for seven-year-old Diah and nine-year-old Amir, the proud parents. With this latest addition, Tierpark Berlin now houses a total of nine babirusas, solidifying its status as home to Europe’s largest babirusa herd. This achievement is a testament to the success of the park’s breeding program for this unique and endangered species.
A Smooth Birth and Attentive Mother
According to Curator Martin Kränzlin, the birth was quick and routine. “The mother is attentive and extremely caring, ensuring the young animal is protected and well-cared for,” Kränzlin stated. “In the first few days of life, proximity to the mother, physical contact, and orientation to her behavior are particularly important. Step by step, he will now explore his surroundings and gradually get to know the rest of his family.”
The animal care team, following a tradition, selected the name Dayan, which is derived from the Indonesian word “daya,” meaning strength, power, and energy. The park also adheres to a naming convention where the names of newborns begin with the next letter of the alphabet corresponding to their birth year. Ambari was born in 2023, followed by Bira in 2024, and Citra in 2025.
Babirusas: Unique Among Swine
While babirusas belong to the family of true pigs, they differ significantly from their wild boar relatives. Wild boars typically give birth to four to six piglets at once, whereas babirusas usually have only one, or rarely two, offspring. Babirusas invest considerable time and energy in the intensive care of their young. The piglets, which are relatively well-developed at birth, remain close to their mother initially.
Conservation Efforts Crucial for an Endangered Species
Dr. Andreas Knieriem, Zoo and Tierpark Director, highlighted the critical situation of babirusas in the wild. “Babirusas are found exclusively on Sulawesi and some surrounding islands. Their population is steadily declining, primarily due to the severe loss of their habitat. Additionally, African Swine Fever is believed to have been introduced, leading to the death of many animals in their natural environment,” explained Dr. Knieriem. “The regular successful rearing of young animals in Berlin demonstrates the expertise of our team and the success of our husbandry. At the same time, encounters with these extraordinary animals highlight why modern zoos are so important as reserve populations and ambassadors for species conservation.”
Babirusas are considered endemic species, meaning they are found only in a specific region worldwide. The Sulawesi babirusa is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, this assessment is under review by the IUCN, as no babirusas have been sighted in Sulawesi since mid-2024. Camera traps have also yielded no positive results, suggesting the possibility that babirusas may already be extinct in their natural habitat. This makes the reserve population in Europe, and a young animal like Dayan, immensely important for the continued survival of the species.
With a bit of luck, Tierpark guests will soon be able to observe Dayan alongside the rest of the babirusa family on Otter Island.
Background: Sulawesi Babirusa
Babirusas, also known as Babirussa, are renowned for their unusual appearance. A characteristic feature of adult males is their striking upper canine teeth, which grow upwards through the snout and curve backward. At first glance, the animals also appear to be completely hairless.
At Tierpark Berlin, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating island world of Sulawesi on Otter Island. In addition to Sulawesi babirusas, the approximately 3,000 square meter area is also home to oriental small-clawed otters and Sulawesi crested macaques. Together, they form a community that showcases Sulawesi as a “hotspot” of biodiversity.
Source: https://www.tierpark-berlin.de/de/aktuelles/news/artikel/ein-schweinchen-namens-dayan
