Our Residents

Punkin

Punkin joined the Sanctuary as a resident in 2023.

Born the runt of his litter, he failed to thrive and wasn’t being fed by his birth mum. A kind neighbour of the farmer took him in, keeping him in the house for his regular bottle feeding and helping him grow from a tiny piglet, smaller than a fox terrier, to a big, strapping lad in no time!

Sadly, this angel of a woman was battling her own health issues and knew that she wasn’t going to be able to provide the forever home Punkin so deserves, so she reached out to us, and we were more than happy to take him in!

Shortly after Punkin arrived, and after he had been carefully integrated with the other two piggies here, our dear old girl Ruby passed away, and I will always be grateful that Punkin joined the pig family when he did, softening the blow for Ruby’s brother, Izzy. The boys now sleep cuddled together, and Punkin grows bigger by the day! As a Saddleback cross, he would have been considered a ‘meat pig’ in any other context, so I am so grateful to his original rescuer for saving him from this fate, and so honoured to be able to provide him a safe forever home.

You can sponsor Punkin for just $10 a week!

Izzy

Izzy and his sister, Ruby, were the first animals promised Sanctuary here at the farm. We had been doing hen and bunny rescues from our small suburban home and built up a modest following as a result. When I posted on social media the exciting news that we would be moving to an 8 acre block, it took all of 2 minutes for Izzy’s mum to reach out and ask if we could take these sweet Kune’s on! It turns out they had some family health issues and needed to be back in town to support their whanau, but wouldn’t even list their house for sale until their beloved piggies had a safe place to go!

Of course we were happy to help, and so started our piggy journey! Izzy and Ruby have taught me SO much about responsible pig ownership, particularly in fencing!! They have also been our official welcoming committee for shy foster pigs and goats, and an integral part of gaining the trust of these vulnerable souls.

When Ruby passed away at the start of 2024, I was so worried that Izzy would deteriorate (he’s an old boy now!) but he has fully embraced Punkin as his new brother from another mother, and spends most of the day cuddled up with him, snoozing in the sun or staying warm and cosy together in their house.

We are painfully aware that Izzy is in his twilight years now, but he sure would love a sponsor for these last few years! Particularly as older animals typically require more frequent vet visits, increased supplementation and (don’t tell anyone) more treats!

You can sponsor Izzy for just $10 a week!