International Pig Day - Celebrating the clever, curious, misunderstood pig

Every year on 1st March, International Pig Day gives us a moment to celebrate one of the most intelligent, emotionally complex, and unfairly misunderstood animals on the planet. Here at the sanctuary, pigs aren’t “livestock” - they’re family. They’re individuals with personalities, preferences, friendships and stories worth telling.

Pigs: intelligent, social, and deeply emotional

Pigs are often compared to dogs in terms of intelligence, but the truth is they’re capable of even more than most people realise. Research shows that pigs can solve puzzles, recognise themselves in mirrors, learn names, form strong social bonds and experience a wide range of emotions - joy, fear, affection and grief.

They’re curious, playful and incredibly aware of the world around them. Many of our residents love exploring new spaces, rooting through fresh straw, sunbathing, or simply snoozing in a cosy pile with their friends.

Life for pigs in the farming industry

Despite their intelligence and sensitivity, pigs are among the most exploited animals in the world. In the UK alone, millions are bred and killed every year for meat. Most will never feel grass under their feet or sunlight on their backs. Many are kept in crowded sheds, and mother pigs are routinely confined in farrowing crates so small they cannot turn around.

International Pig Day is a reminder that pigs deserve so much more than the systems they’re born into - and that every individual life matters.

The personalities behind the snouts

One of the most beautiful things about caring for pigs at the sanctuary is watching their personalities emerge once they’re safe. Some are cheeky and confident, some gentle and shy, some bold explorers, some total cuddle‑bugs. They form friendships, learn routines, and communicate in a whole range of grunts, squeaks and snuffles.

Two of our residents - Nigel and Matilda - embody just how special pigs truly are.

Nigel - the “micro pig” who wasn’t

Nigel arrived as a tiny piglet after being sold as a so‑called “micro pig” - something that doesn’t actually exist. When he began behaving like a real pig rather than a house‑trained pet, he was shut away in a small kitchen, and his owner planned to send him to slaughter if no one took him.

Thankfully, we heard about him just in time, Nigel became the first new resident to join us when we opened!

Today, he’s a sweet, affectionate boy who adores belly rubs, sprints up the field at dinnertime with his tail in the air, and collects bowls from around the sanctuary to stash in his bed - convinced that more bowls must mean more dinners! In summer, his hair lightens into perfect 90s boy‑band frosted tips. He shares his space with Daisy and Maisy and often gathers extra straw to make their bed cosier.

Nigel is gentle, funny and endlessly loveable - a perfect reminder that pigs are so much more than the labels placed on them.

Matilda - the mother who fought for freedom

Matilda made national headlines when she escaped from a farm to give birth in nearby woodland. Like many mother pigs, she had likely experienced the trauma of having previous litters taken from her. This time, she did everything she could to protect her babies.

Public support poured in, and the farmer eventually agreed to let Matilda and her newborns live. Their freedom was a rare and remarkable moment - and we were honoured to welcome them to the sanctuary.

Matilda is gentle, forgiving and loves rooting in the fields and wallowing in the sun. Her seven youngsters - Jack, Clover, Penny, Audrey, Regan, Nancy and Richard - are no longer piglets in size, but the nickname has stuck. They’re curious, playful and always keen to “help” with mucking out, especially if it involves tipping over wheelbarrows to check for goodies! Matilda is still very much in mum‑mode. If the youngsters get too rowdy, one firm grunt from her settles the whole group.

This beautiful family will never again face the fear or loss that defined Matilda’s past. They’re safe, together, and free - exactly as they deserve to be.

Help us care for pigs like Nigel and Matilda

Every pig at the sanctuary has their own story, their own personality and their own needs. Their care - from food and bedding to vet visits and enrichment - is entirely funded by donations.

If you’d like to support Nigel, Matilda or any of our residents, you can:

• make a donation, or

• sponsor one of our pigs to help provide their ongoing care

Your support helps us give them the peaceful, protected lives they deserve.