Our potbelly pigs were the very first rescues at RNR in 2021. These three little black pigs, affectionately known as The Three Little Pigs—Falkor, Michael, and Meg—were rescued from an extreme hoarding situation where reportedly 200 pigs were kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions by our partners at Farm Animal Refuge. Our pigs adore belly rubs, and their favorite treat is ripe bananas!
Falkor is the Top Pig, and he certainly carries himself that way! He’s slightly larger than the others, with a belly that is a characteristic feature of his breed—so pronounced that it almost touches the ground! With white markings on his nose and feet, he’s easy to identify.
Falkor’s name comes from The Neverending Story, symbolizing good luck.
The three black pigs are Vietnamese Potbellies, a breed brought to the US through Canada in 1980 with the intention of supplying zoos. Their primary color is black, though they can be white or white with spotted, collared, or even silver marks. Generally, they are marked by a swayed back, pronounced belly, erect ears, and a short turned-up nose with a straight tail. Although the belly is naturally oversized, it should not touch the ground. As adults they are about 2.5 feet long and weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 20 years.
Did you know…?
They’re very social, intelligent animals and we’ve taught Falkor & Michael to sit!
Hoarding is one of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty, affecting up to 250,000 animals every year! A single case can involve hundreds of animals, easily bankrupting a local humane society or shelter.