PIGS
Intelligent, social, and fully known
HYACINTH - 11 Years Old
Hyacinth is a Yorkshire pig. For the first six months of her life, she lived in constant confinement and darkness. When Hyacinth was finally surrendered, she stepped into the light for the first time—quite literally—and she has never looked back.
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Pigs are deeply social animals with complex relationships and clear hierarchies. After their matriarch Penny passed away, Hyacinth rose through the ranks and is now the undisputed leader of the pig herd. While firmly at the top, she remains friendly with both her herd mates and humans. Leadership, after all, doesn’t require constant enforcement when respect is already understood. When Hyacinth makes her feelings known, everyone pays attention—almost everyone. Hazel, brimming with confidence, sometimes gets a little too comfortable testing boundaries. When that happens, Hyacinth is quick to remind her who’s in charge. Fortunately, Hazel has speed on her side and makes a swift retreat to safety.
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Having the opportunity to grow into a full adult body, Hyacinth is the largest pig in the herd. Like many pigs allowed to live out their natural lifespan, she has developed some joint and mobility concerns. Age, combined with genetics that favor rapid growth, plays a role. With daily medication and attentive care, Hyacinth remains active and engaged, continuing to enjoy her days on her own terms.
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Medication time is handled with intention and creativity. For pigs, the preferred delivery method is a tortilla filled with peanut butter and hidden medication. For Hyacinth, peanut butter is non-negotiable. Without it, cooperation is simply not on the table.
Hyacinth is also very particular about her produce. If lettuce isn’t crisp to her liking, she will inspect it and walk away. A true foodie, she accepts only the freshest offerings and has no hesitation leaving a snack behind if it doesn’t meet her standards. That level of discernment is fully respected—and happily accommodated.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
LOTUS - 10 Years Old
Though Hyacinth is the reigning leader of the pasture, Lotus is second in line . She has also earned a bit of internet fame for her passion for decorating—and her eagerness to share it. Lotus enjoys carrying plant life into her house, thoughtfully arranging branches and greenery to create a space that feels both cozy and intentional.
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Lotus’ life today stands in stark contrast to her early years. She was once used as bait to train hunting dogs, during which time she sustained an injury to her left ear that caused it to permanently flop. What many now see as a charming feature is, in reality, a lasting reminder of that past. While her ear was damaged, Lotus’s will was not. The cruelty she endured did not define her future, and she continues to move through life with confidence and curiosity.
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Lotus enjoys belly rubs, mealtime, produce parties, and selecting just the right plant life to enhance her living space. When she wants to truly savor a snack, she often carries it into a quiet corner of her house to enjoy in peace. Like the rest of the pig herd, she welcomes belly rubs on her own terms. When the moment is right, pigs will often flop onto their sides, offering full access and making their preferences very clear.
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Pigs are often unfairly labeled as dirty animals, but in reality, they are the only residents at the sanctuary who do not use the restroom inside their living spaces. Given enough room, this behavior is natural to pigs. Mud bathing is another misunderstood habit. Because pigs cannot sweat, mud helps regulate body temperature, protects their sensitive skin from the sun, and repels insects. Rooting is equally important—it allows pigs to explore their environment and naturally obtain nutrients such as iron from the soil.
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These behaviors—rooting, nesting, mud bathing, and keeping living spaces clean—are all natural expressions of pig life, yet they are routinely denied in industrial farming systems. Lotus and her friends are free to engage in this everyday pig business, and watching them do so is a reminder of what becomes possible when animals are allowed to live according to their nature.​​
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
BRANDO - 9 Years Old
Brando was injured after falling from a truck and was found in the street. He was transported to the University of Georgia, where he underwent surgery to repair a fractured leg. Hardware was placed to stabilize the injury, and Full Circle Farm Sanctuary was contacted shortly thereafter. Brando arrived in a cast and required daily physical therapy. With time, consistency, and care, he healed fully and recovered without long-term mobility limitations.
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Because of their fair skin, pigs are vulnerable to sun damage. Auburn University has removed several cancerous lesions from both Brando and Lotus. These lesions most commonly appear on the ears, though they can develop elsewhere on the body. While mud bathing offers some natural protection, additional support is necessary. Each day, the Care Team applies sunscreen to the pigs’ ears. Even on overcast days, sun protection remains essential.
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Brando is not a fan of sunscreen time and makes his displeasure known. He doesn’t just vocalize during application—he talks constantly. Brando is exceptionally chatty and a dedicated conversationalist. If spoken to, he responds, often carrying on a full exchange. He will even cross the pasture from its farthest corner just to say hello.
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Pigs are often unfairly labeled as unintelligent, when in fact research has shown they can outperform dogs in certain cognitive tasks, rival three-year-old children in problem-solving, and demonstrate reasoning abilities comparable to primates. Whether through Brando’s vocal communication, Lotus and Hazel’s decorating habits, or Ewa’s creative use of the hose for enrichment, pig intelligence is evident every day.
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Beyond his impressive voice, Brando has a deep appreciation for mud. He treats mud baths as essential self-care, regularly scheduling himself time at the mud spa. As one of the smaller pigs in the group, Brando holds a lower rank in the hierarchy. When he feels like asserting himself, he visits the pot-belly pasture and puts on a dramatic display of toughness through the fence. Aside from these moments of posturing, Brando is easy going with his herd mates. With humans, he is calm, relaxed, and open to a good scratching session or massage.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
EWA - 10 Years Old
Ewa is one of three triplet sisters who were once being sold for food at a farmers market. The trio narrowly escaped that fate and were transported to Full Circle Farm Sanctuary. Had they remained there, their lives would likely have been very short. Pigs raised for food are typically allowed to live only four to seven months. Instead, the sisters celebrate a decade of life.
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The distinct white banding on their bodies is characteristic of the Hampshire breed. Because the sisters look so much alike, they’re best distinguished by the markings on their noses and lips, as well as the color of their tails. Ewa and Olivia live together in the limited-mobility pasture, while their sister Eleanor lives next door in the larger pasture. Although separated for safety reasons, they can still visit and touch noses through the fence.
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Ewa and Olivia share their own pasture so they can engage in normal pig behaviors while reducing the risk of re-injury posed by uneven terrain. Traveling less distance also helps minimize strain on their joints, supporting long-term comfort and mobility.
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Ewa was born without cartilage in one of her back legs, while Olivia is missing a toe following a necessary amputation. Like her sister, Ewa has undergone multiple surgical interventions. In 2017, she required two surgeries to repair her right rear knee. In March 2023, changes in her mobility prompted further evaluation, including a scope of her left leg under anesthesia. The results led to a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis. Both Ewa and Olivia receive daily medication to support joint health and comfort. Ewa is especially cooperative during medication time—standing patiently with her mouth open, ready for her tortilla-and-peanut-butter offering.
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While Olivia brings the sass, Ewa brings the calm. She has a relaxed nature but still enjoys play. One of her favorite activities is pulling the hose out of the water trough, creating just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Ewa is friendly with her herd mates and often “talks” to them through the fence. She is also receptive to human affection and appreciates scratches and belly rubs, always on her own terms.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
HAZEL- 5 Years Old
Hazel arrived with her friends River and Magnolia. The three were initially part of a plan to be used in a human-focused therapy program. When funding for that project fell through, they were at risk of being sold for food. That outcome was avoided, and the trio—affectionately known as the littles—now live safely alongside the larger pigs. They remain the smallest members of the herd.
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If there were a title for busiest pig in the pasture, Hazel would claim it without question. She positions herself at the center of everything happening and keeps close tabs on herd activity. Even when she knows she probably shouldn’t push her luck with the big pigs, she does it anyway. Hazel is notably unfazed by Hyacinth, the reigning leader of the herd—a reflection of her confidence and determination. Given time, she may very well contend for top pig herself.
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Lotus has taken Hazel on as something of an apprentice, introducing her to the art of interior decorating. Like her mentor, Hazel brings plant life into her house. When greenery is scarce, sticks become the décor of choice. Creativity adapts with the seasons.
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Though Hazel enjoys snacks, she doesn’t always feel compelled to leave her house to accept one. While Lotus serves as her interior-decorating mentor, Hyacinth is clearly her foodie mentor. Hazel has picked up on Hyacinth’s preference for only the crispest lettuce and the freshest produce—and is now exhibiting the same discerning taste. She has no hesitation about turning down a snack that doesn’t meet her standards.
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Though Hazel enjoys snacks, she doesn’t always feel compelled to leave her house to accept one. If she’s comfortable where she is, she stays put. Hazel makes her own decisions, on her own timeline. That independence—paired with her curiosity and self-assuredness—is part of what makes her such a compelling presence. Watching her navigate the world is a reminder that confidence comes in all sizes.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
SEBASTIAN
​Sebastian appeared one day on a horse farm, and no one knew where he had come from. His skin was in poor condition and required frequent soothing baths to bring him relief and comfort.
Pot-bellied pigs are often viewed as companion animals rather than a food source. While this perception can seem protective, it has contributed to a serious welfare problem. Pot-bellied pigs are among the most frequently abandoned animals. Many people underestimate the long-term commitment required—pot bellies can live 15 to 20 years—and are unprepared to meet their needs. Pigs require adequate space to engage in natural behaviors such as rooting and creating mud wallows, which many homes cannot accommodate.
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Compounding the issue is the widespread marketing of pigs as “micro,” “mini,” “teacup,” or “Juliana” breeds—labels that are misleading and inaccurate. When these pigs grow far larger than expected, they are often relinquished. Rather than supporting this industry, visiting and learning from pigs living in sanctuaries offers a far more ethical alternative.
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The need for safe placement for pot-bellied pigs is overwhelming. Requests for intake far exceed the number of sanctuaries equipped to house them. Many are abandoned in unsafe environments, where they lack the skills needed to survive and may be perceived as pests, putting them at serious risk of harm.
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Sebastian was spared that fate. Today, he is the undisputed king of the pasture—confident, calm, and deeply social. He has never met a stranger and happily welcomes snacks, affection, and belly rubs, punctuating his contentment with enthusiastic snorts.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
PIGCASSO - 20 Years Old
Pigcasso is an older gentleman with an unmistakable zest for life. He was picked up by animal control in 2017, underweight, scraped up, and in need of medical care—particularly for his skin. With treatment and time, Pigcasso healed and quickly revealed his true nature. Today, he has a way of winning over everyone he meets.
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One of three pot-bellied pigs at Full Circle Farm Sanctuary, Pigcasso is the most senior by far, with arguably the biggest personality.
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In 2025, Pigcasso became seriously ill and was transported to Auburn University for treatment. There was genuine concern that he might not return. Pigcasso, however, had other plans. Determined and resilient, his body responded to care and he made a full recovery.
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Following his return, Pigcasso transitioned to the medical barn, where his Care Team can closely monitor his health and comfort. The move has been overwhelmingly positive. He now enjoys daily walks with caretakers, frequent affection, and an increased supply of fresh produce. He has full choice in how he spends his time—relaxing indoors or settling into a carefully constructed nest.
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Pigs naturally build beds and nests, but Pigcasso approaches this task with exceptional dedication. He will bury himself entirely in straw, blending in so completely that he becomes indistinguishable from the bedding. Anyone who disturbs his rest is met with pointed, disapproving snorts.
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Time away from the pasture has significantly improved Pigcasso’s skin, which is now in the best condition it has ever been. Content, comfortable, and confidently in charge, Pigcasso is very happy to continue bossing everyone around from the barn—and accommodations are made accordingly.
Sponsorship is one way to support the daily care that makes stories like this possible—providing lifelong safety, medical care, nourishment, and space to simply be.
