These stories, along with the rescue stories about our friends at Farm Sanctuary, champion pigs as individuals—not meat. Some are spunky, some are mischievous, others shy, but all are sentient and emotive beings who deserve lives free from harm.

On National Pig Day, held annually on March 1st, we celebrate our porcine pals and pay homage to the millions of pigs still slaughtered for meat in the United States each year. Each is “some pig” in his or her own way: It’s simply up to us to pay attention.

• Pigs rank among the smartest land animals on earth. Research shows that pigs’ intelligence compares to dogs and small children. They can categorize and distinguish objects, manipulate joysticks with their snouts, and learn to press levers that release food rewards. (It’s important to note that intelligence does not equal worth. We value pigs for who they are, and not how they compare to other individuals and species.)

• Pigs can learn to use mirrors. Studies show that pigs have awareness of their bodies as reflected in mirrors. They can also use mirrors to find food hidden outside their normal vision range.
• Pigs are playful! Play is an important part of a pig’s development. They may jump and run, engage in play fights with each other, and carry and shake balls and other toys for fun. They are also creative in how they play and may toss twigs, straw, or other objects found in their environment.

• Pigs have best friends. They are social beings who bond with their loved ones for life. Pigs “talk” to their pig and people friends with happy grunts and snuggle close to their besties at night. They can also tell different individuals apart using sight, sound, smell, touch, and social cues.
• They’re very opinionated. Pigs use more than 20 unique vocalizations to communicate.

• “Who run the world? Girls!” Pigs form socially complex, matriarchal hierarchies. Dominant pigs get the best food and sleeping spots.

• Pigs don’t like a “pigsty!” They prefer keeping a clean house and make their toilet far away from where they eat and sleep.

• Those mud masks aren’t just an aesthetic. Pigs have few sweat glands, so wallowing in mud helps regulate their body temperature. It also serves as a natural sunscreen and keeps pests like ticks and lice at bay.

• Nests aren’t just for birds: Pigs arrange their straw bedding into warm nests. We’ve seen mother pigs tuck their children into bed long after they have grown!

• They love belly rubs. You might have a new best friend after finding a pig’s “sweet spot.” Some love belly rubs so much that they’ll flop on their sides, close their eyes, and stretch out their legs to maximize available belly space.

From Charlie: Enjoy fresh foods, and with gusto!

From Bitsy: Get plenty of rest in the coziest space possible

In 2021, Farm Sanctuary received inquiries to help 897 pigs in need. Sadly, good homes can be hard to find—especially for adult pigs. Pigs need proper fencing and housing; they are curious animals who use their snouts to explore (and not everyone likes a busted gate or dug-up pasture). Their care is expensive: pigs need a lot of food and may be prone to medical issues (particularly in their hoofs and legs) from the way they’re bred to grow exceptionally large.

And, while pigs are social creatures and do best with a pig companion, they can’t live with just anyone: Some are territorial and may fight for dominance, while others are more docile. Potential pig homes must take their physical, social, and emotional needs into account.

We’re always looking for new connections. If you can offer a home to pigs in need, please apply to our Farm Animal Adoption Network.