Easter is a bittersweet holiday here at Piggins and Banks. We enjoy celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of spring, but know that one of the most popular dishes served at this time is ham. However this year we did something to lift our spirits and those of the pigs at Piggins and Banks!
A supporter of Piggins and Banks (wishing to remain anonymous) purchased a Mangalitsa / Kune Kune mix pig from a local farm. These pigs are sadly bred to be fattened up and sold for meat. Future Easter ham dinners if you will. Instead of keeping the pig for meat, the supporter brought the pig to Piggins and Banks to live a fully, healthy, and happy life. The supporter notified us of this from the beginning before they made plans to do so, and we were in full support since we had space to take in the little Mangalitsa pig. We named him Peter Curleytail (off of Peter Cottontail) to always remember that he came to live with us on Easter.
Note: Some detractors will argue the supporter encouraged the breeding of pigs by buying Peter in the first place. Opinions will vary on this subject, but the fact of the matter is this pig’s life was saved. Peter would have been sold for meat without a doubt. The supporter saw fit to purchase him and then do what they wanted with him, which was to give him a life to live at our sanctuary.
At first we had Peter in his own pen for a few days to get used to things. He was terribly lonely missing his family which sadly he will never see again. We then made the decision to put him in with Madison and her gang of growing piglets. After some sorting out, they quickly accepted him as one of their own! His step mother Madison and step siblings Tiny, Mo, Kasey, Tulip, and Pixie love him and welcomed them into their family.
Being a Mangalitsa pig, Peter will grow to be at least 300lbs in size! He will have curly, soft hair almost like a sheep. We look forward to watching him grow at Piggins and Banks and sharing his life with all of you.
Help Support Peter
We are able to take in pigs like this because of support from people like you! Every pig we take in results in another mouth to feed, veterinary appointment to schedule, and more…all of which have significant costs. Please consider making a small donation or even sponsoring Peter as a virtual pig parent. All donations make a positive difference in the lives of our pig residents. Should you choose to sponsor Peter, you receive a welcome packet, some keepsakes, on-demand updates about him, and even a free ticket to one of our guided tours so you can meet him in person!