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Pigs

Intelligent, social and full of character

Pigs are highly intelligent, social animals with complex behaviours and emotions. They form strong bonds with one another, work cooperatively and are known for their playful and curious nature. In their natural environment pigs spend their days foraging, exploring and interacting with their surroundings.

Sadly, the majority of pigs in today’s world are subjected to cruel conditions in factory farms where they are deprived of their natural instincts and behaviours. At Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary we provide our rescued pigs with a safe and nurturing environment, where they can thrive and be themselves, allowing our visitors to witness the true nature of these remarkable animals.

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Featured rescue stories

Jeremy
Stories from the field
Jeremy
Jeremy is a pig who was found scared and alone in an inner-city suburb.
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Wilma
Stories from the field
Wilma
Wilma is a pig found scared and alone, in desperate need of food and warmth.
Read More
Molly
Stories from the field
Molly
Molly is a pig who was found in a critical condition, missing her ears.
Read More

Pig facts

They are individuals, just like us. Each pig has a unique personality – some are bold, some timid, some curious, and some affectionate.

They are very smart. Pigs are known to be one of the most intelligent species on Earth, with cognitive abilities similar to those of dogs and even human toddlers.

They have strong social bonds. Pigs form close relationships with other members of their group and communicate through a wide range of vocalisations.

Pigs enjoy a good cuddle. Pigs love to sleep close together and will often snuggle up with their friends, lying nose-to-nose.

"Look a pig in its eyes, and understand the truth behind their pain. They're thinking, curious beings with individual personalities, and their suffering is our doing."

- Jonathan Safran Foer
Author of Eating Animals

Sanctuary life

At Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, our rescued pigs enjoy spacious paddocks, mud wallows, and comfortable shelters. They are free to roam, forage, and interact with their piggy friends in a safe and natural environment. We conduct regular health checks to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. We also provide our pigs with enrichment activities to keep their minds and bodies active, including toys, puzzles and treats to explore and enjoy.

"The more I learn about pigs, the more I admire them and realise how wrongly they are judged."

- Dr. Jane Goodall

Suffering for their meat

The vast majority of pigs raised for meat endure a life of suffering and confinement. In factory farms, these intelligent, social animals are denied the opportunity to express their natural behaviours and are subjected to cruel practices, all in the name of efficiency and profit.

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur

Confinement
In intensive pig farming systems, sows (mother pigs) are often confined to small metal crates known as “sow stalls” or “gestation crates” during pregnancy. These enclosures are so small that the sows cannot even turn around. After giving birth, they are moved to equally restrictive “farrowing crates” to nurse their piglets. Once weaned, the piglets are separated from their mothers and crowded into barren pens, where they will spend the rest of their short lives.
Tail docking
To prevent tail biting, a common issue in the stressful and overcrowded conditions of factory farms, piglets routinely have their tails docked without anaesthesia or pain relief. This painful procedure involves cutting off a portion of the piglet’s tail using pliers or a hot blade.
Teeth clipping
Piglets also undergo teeth clipping shortly after birth. This procedure involves cutting or grinding down the sharp canine teeth of the piglets without anaesthesia or pain relief. Although intended to prevent injuries from fighting in crowded conditions, teeth clipping itself can cause significant pain and discomfort for the piglets.
Castration

Male piglets are commonly castrated without anaesthesia or pain relief, a practice done to prevent ‘boar taint’, an ‘unpleasant taste’ in the meat of some uncastrated male pigs. Castration is a painful and invasive procedure that can lead to complications, including infection and chronic pain.

Transport and slaughter
Pigs raised for meat are typically slaughtered at just six months of age. They are transported to the slaughterhouse in cramped, stressful conditions, often without access to food or water for extended periods. In Australia, pigs are stunned using carbon dioxide gas before being hung upside down and having their throats cut. The stunning process can cause significant distress and panic for the animals, while the high-speed slaughter lines increase the risk of inadequate stunning and prolonged suffering.

Create a kinder world for pigs

Make your choices count.


Pigs are intelligent, social and sensitive animals and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. By choosing plant-based alternatives and supporting animal sanctuaries like Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary, you can help create a kinder world for pigs.

The most effective way to help these remarkable animals is by choosing to leave them off your plate. With so many delicious and nutritious plant-based alternatives available, it’s easier than ever to make compassionate choices. Why not give it a try? Explore our resources and join the movement towards a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable world.