The Fascinating Story Behind National Pig Day

Pigs are most commonly known as barn animals but in reality, they’re one of the smartest mammals in the world. They are a fascinating species and can do more human-like things than many people even realize. Pigs are such a special animal that they even have a day dedicated to them: National Pig Day, which takes place on March 1st every year. The story behind National Pig Day, however, is just as interesting as the pigs it celebrates.

What Makes Pigs One of the Greatest Animals on Earth

Infinite numbers of studies have been done on pigs to demonstrate their intelligence and each time, experts seem to learn something new. They’re one of the smartest mammals on earth but their intelligence goes beyond that of a typical four-legged animal — they also have personalities that are unique to each individual. Anyone who has visited a farm knows that pigs have a range of personality traits. Some are more curious, some are shy, and some are outright playful, and this is all part of their unique persona.

Pigs are also highly social creatures and form bonds with other pigs in their pens, as well as with humans. A study by the International Journal of Comparative Psychology shows that pigs form emotional connections with handlers and frequent visitors, and can determine who’s who by their sense of smell alone. This also demonstrates their incredible capacity for emotion. It’s believed that pigs are even capable of feeling empathy. Animal Farm wasn’t just a novel — pigs truly do experience joy, fear, and even anger.

How Smart Are Pigs, Really?

Everyone knows that pigs are smart, but their intelligence exceeds that of the typical farm animal. Experts have put them on the same level as dolphins, crows, and even chimpanzees when it comes to problem-solving. For over a century, experts have known that pigs are capable of solving complex problems. This includes multiple-choice scenarios and even simple video games, and there’s seemingly no end to their cognitive skills. Pigs are also skilled hunters when it comes to hidden items, able to find things with efficiency and ease.

Perhaps the most incredible discovery made is a pig’s ability to use “visual perspective taking.” The use of inference is strong within groups of pigs, and they observe enough to know details that most animals would be oblivious to recognize. Pigs can suss out things such as food sources, good hiding spots, and many other useful things and can either share or conceal this information from others. Their ability to sniff out danger or a good trail comes down to their five senses; however, their ability to make educated decisions demonstrates an advanced thought process.

Pigs are also known to pick up on non-verbal cues and can even deceive other pigs! It’s not uncommon to watch them hide food or toys which is not only adorable but shows a highly intelligent species. Interestingly, their intelligence transcends their thought patterns and even extends to their physical abilities. Similarly to dolphins, pigs have been able to use tools for things such as digging, proving that they’re far smarter than they appear.

Why National Pig Day Was Created

If this isn’t enough to convince you why pigs should be celebrated, then perhaps the story behind National Pig Day will. This unique day was created by two sisters, Lynne Rave and Ellen Stanley, back in 1972. The two lived in the south (North Carolina and Texas, respectively), and were no strangers to the animal they believed deserved its own unique holiday. So much so, that the pair declared this day was “to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.”

Pigs are also a crucial part of our ecosystems and agriculture, which are two more reasons to celebrate them as a species. Beyond the farm, wild pigs play a huge role in their environment and serve as a crucial link in the animal kingdom. Their lifestyle habits are critical to maintaining a delicate balance in countries where they’re native and are free to roam, and that alone is worth celebrating.

In the world of science, pigs have become equally as important as they are in nature. Pig valves have been used as replacements for human heart valves, which even makes them the key to some human survival.

How You Can Celebrate National Pig Day

There are some very unique and fun things that you can do to participate in National Pig Day, and this doesn’t just mean being thankful for what they provide at the breakfast table. Here are some ways to observe the day in a way that’s meaningful and impactful:

• Volunteer! Local farms often take volunteers to help with the day-to-day activities, and this can be a great way to get up close and personal with some of our pink friends. Also, consider volunteering with an agricultural group or rescue service that helps animals.
• Educate. Learning more about what makes pigs the incredible animals they are helps show them in a different light. There are so many incredible stories and studies, each one more fascinating than the last.
• Visit an ethical zoo. Many zoos are home to animals that are being rehabilitated or that can’t return to the wild, and these are great places to learn more about the species.
• Look for local festivals. Some major cities have festivals for National Pig Day, and these are a great way to not only learn about pigs but to celebrate the fact that they exist.

National Pig Day is mostly celebrated in the Midwest, but this doesn’t mean other regions don’t have their own contributions. Many zoos will also celebrate this day, so keep an eye out before March 1 for any possible planned events that celebrate swine.