An Unlikely Resident
Khanzir, whose name means “pig” in Dari, is Afghanistan’s only known pig. He has lived in the Kabul Zoo since 2002, a place where pigs are rare due to the cultural and religious practices of the region. The pig was brought to the zoo as part of an animal exchange program.
A Life of Solitude
Khanzir has lived in isolation for most of his life. The zoo has no other pigs, and efforts to find him a companion have been unsuccessful. Visitors often marvel at his uniqueness, as many Afghans had never seen a pig before Khanzir’s arrival.
Quarantine and Concerns
In 2009, during the H1N1 flu pandemic, Khanzir was temporarily quarantined as a precaution due to global concerns about swine flu. Though he posed no threat, the measure underscored his unusual presence in the country.
A Unique Attraction
Today, Khanzir remains a popular attraction at the Kabul Zoo, where he continues to live peacefully. He has become a curious subject for visitors and a reminder of the diverse animal species housed at the zoo.
Khanzir, whose name means “pig” in Dari, is Afghanistan's only known pig. He has lived in the Kabul Zoo since 2002, a place where pigs are rare due to the cultural and religious practices of the region. The pig was brought to the zoo as part of an animal exchange program.🧵1/3👇 pic.twitter.com/qoLtwDoR4H
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