This pig endured an extremely rough start to life; she lived in a dark stall for over ten years. Other than going blind this had a massive impact on her mental health, and needless to say she had absolutely no trust in humans.
Thankfully, this turns into a sunshine story, and eventually, she gets her happy ending – which was both deserved and fitting since her name is Princess.
Princess Endured 10 Years in a Factory Farm
Princess, a 14-year-old pot-bellied pig, spent the first decade of her life in harsh conditions on a factory farm. Confined to a dark stall, she was repeatedly bred without respite. This kind of treatment is common on factory farms, where up to 10,000 pigs may be housed in small, cramped crates.
Factory Farm Life Drove Princess to a Breaking Point
Kept in isolation and darkness for years, Princess never experienced sunlight or kindness. Her mental health declined due to constant breeding and neglect. The very severe state of her mental health became especially prominent when she gave birth to twelve piglets but killed eight of them.
Although that’s a devastating and tragic incident, in a way, it’s what rescued her as it is what pushed her owner to finally give her up.
Rescuers Begged for Years to Save Princess
Caitlin Cimini, founder of Rancho Relaxo, had spent six years pleading with Princess’ owner to let her save the pig. After the heartbreaking loss of most of her piglets, the farmer realized he could no longer profit from her and finally agreed to surrender her to the sanctuary.
It’s sad but very telling of the meat industry that it was only when Princess’ owner realized she wouldn’t be profitable that they agreed to a better life, in other words a decision based on purely selfish reasons.
Blind and Frightened
Upon rescue, Princess was found blind and traumatized. Having lived in darkness for so long, she could only see shadows. Caitlin took Princess’s last surviving piglet, Pistachio, and arranged for Princess to move to Arthur’s Acres Sanctuary, where she could receive the care she needed to recover.
Arthur’s Acres Gave Princess a New Beginning
At Arthur’s Acres, Todd, the sanctuary’s founder, devoted hours to helping Princess adjust. He named her Princess, believing she deserved love and happiness – and of course, to be treated like a princess.
Todd spent hours and hours with her just to get her used to human presence, to make her associate it with something good rather than scary. Initially terrified, Princess slowly started accepting kindness after experiencing a fruit and veggie salad, likely her first treat in her whole life.
It was thanks to Todd’s patience that she could finally regain trust.
Princess Experienced Love and Friendship for the First Time
As Princess became more comfortable, she allowed Todd to hand-feed and pet her. She even enjoyed her first-ever belly rubs and started exploring the outdoors. Eventually, Princess began making friends with the other animals at the sanctuary, learning to navigate her new environment despite her blindness.
Princess may still be blind, but now there’s finally no more darkness in her life.
And Then They Lived Happily Ever After
Today, Princess lives a peaceful life at Arthur’s Acres, surrounded by love and care. Her piglet, Pistachio, thrives at Rancho Relaxo, learning to play and communicate. Thanks to the dedication of these sanctuaries, Princess and Pistachio now live safe, fulfilling lives, free from the suffering they once endured.
Like a true princess, this pig has finally gotten her happily ever after. Indeed, the world can be a cruel and harsh place, but happy endings still exist.
Watch the Video
For any feedback please message to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Stray Dog Who Could Barely Wag Its Tail Before Grooming Has Massive Transformation - October 4, 2024
- Do Sharks Have Tongues? - October 4, 2024
- The Young Swan – A Bird’s Journey - October 4, 2024