Life
A Couple Thought They Adopted a Mini-Pig, But She Grew To Over 600 Pounds — PHOTOS
It is no secret that mini-pigs are so adorable that if we could find a way harness the cute we could probably cure all the sadness that exists in the world. If you didn't see the teacup pig episode of How I Met Your Mother, then you probably saw Miley's pet mini-pig or Priscilla, the fashionista mini-pig who rules Instagram (and does not seem the least bit affected by the Great Instagram Rapture of 2014). But the most unlikely champion of mini-pigs turned out not to be a mini-pig at all: In 2012, a Canadian couple adopted Esther, a pygmy piglet who grew up to be a full-size, 667 pound pig.
And while Esther came as a big surprise to everyone, the biggest surprise was the effect that she had on her owners and everyone who has come to love her (which you can see documented on her Twitter and Facebook pages). Esther is a big pig with an even bigger heart, whose story is changing the lives of others who weren't as lucky as she is. Her owners, Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter, are currently fundraising to create an animal sanctuary for other less fortunate animals in need of a home. You can click through and read Esther's full story here.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
Baby Esther
This is what Esther looked like in the summer of 2012. Just like any other pygmy piglet—or so they thought.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
Not-So-Baby Esther
She quickly grew, and today Esther weighs 667 pounds!
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
"The Luckiest Pig in the World"
But Esther didn’t just grow—she grew on everybody. It became clear to her owners pretty fast that she was a part of the family.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
Esther's Family
The good news is, Esther is never lonely. She has plenty of siblings.
Image: estherthepig/Twitter
Esther's Kitchen
She even inspired her dads to go vegan, after they discovered what smart and emotional animals pigs are. They’re about to start a vegan website called Esther’s Kitchen.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
Animal Sanctuary
Her owners are also currently raising funds for the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, to help out other animals who need a proper home. So far they’ve raised $440,225!
Image: happilyeveresther/Facebook
Middle Name Trouble
Of course, life with Esther isn’t always easy. Her owners caution against adopting a pig of your own unless you’re fully prepared for the amount of work and care it requires.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
One Happy Pig
But in Esther’s case, she is worth all the work and then some. This is one pig who loves well and is well-loved in return.
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
CHRISTMAS!!!
Oh, and did we mention she is REALLY EXCITED for Santa to come this year??
Image: Esther the Wonder Pig/Facebook
