Mowgli’s Story

In March of 2009, a high school senior named Nikki was visiting her horse when she encountered an 800-lb boar walking around the farm. The pig turned out to be from a neighboring farm, and when she helped return him to his home, she found that four litters of piglets were soon to be born. These piglets were destined for the slaughterhouse. Nikki came to visit the newborn piglets, and was told that the runt of a litter of eleven was not likely to survive. She immediately fell in love with the piglet, and took him home without the permission of parents (though they had no objections after seeing his adorable tiny face). Nikki, who knew nothing about pigs, set to work researching their care. She bought a heat lamp and piglet formula, and became the mom of the three-day-old piglet who she named Mowgli. From day one, she was head over heels in love with her new baby.

As all babies do, Mowgli soon began growing, and fast. He became best friends with Nikki’s Labrador Retriever, Koda. Mowgli would chase Nikki around the backyard, always wanting to be near his mom, and play with Koda’s toys. He won the hearts of her family and her neighbors, who couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw a tiny pig playing just like a dog in a front yard of a suburban development. Soon it became clear that Mowgli (who, as a Yorkshire cross, will eventually reach 600lbs) was outgrowing house life and needed a new home on a farm. After weaning her beloved Mowgli, Nikki was able to find him a temporary home where she could visit him daily, but ultimately had to place him at a pig rescue an hour and a half south of her New Jersey home. The distance broke her heart, but she knew she needed to do what was best for Mowgli.

Now Nikki is attending the University of Rhode Island, and has discovered that the pig “rescue” where Mowgli is living is far from a haven. The conditions on the farm have declined, and the care is questionable at best. There have been a few instances when she has visited to discover that no water was in Mowgli’s field. Now, Mowgli’s best pig friend has died, and he is in a state of mourning. Nikki’s heart is breaking that she is so many hours away from him at this difficult time.

With the conditions on his farm still not improving, Mowgli is in desperate need of a home. Nikki worries about her baby constantly and is hoping to find a safe, happy home for him, where she could visit him; she is willing to pay board for his care. He is 9 months old now, and about 250lbs. He loves belly rubs and still chases Nikki around like he did as a baby.

If you are able to give Mowgli a home, please call Nikki at 732-977-6446