Esther the Pig, Viral Social Media Star, Dead at 11
Esther the Wonder Pig
Esther the Wonder Pig, who has more than 580K followers on Instagram, has died. She was 11.
Esther's owners shared the devastating news on social media, announcing that "the day we all wished would never come has arrived."
According to the post, she passed calmly and peacefully away with her dad, Steve Jenkins, at her side. They promised her fans and followers answers to come about her death, but are stepping away "to process the situation" first.
"Even though Esther is no longer physically with us, her memory and legacy will live forever," the statement continued. "Esther is immortal, and we will continue to show the world that all animals deserve to be loved just like she was."
It concluded, "Sending love and happy thoughts to each and every one of you. We know you all loved her just as much as we did, and we thank you for that."
Her health had been declining recently, with an update just days prior to her death noting that she was "stable and comfortable, but there are some concerns that need to be considered and discussed." They were working on a treatment plan for her at the time but her diagnosis remains unknown.
In 2017, she underwent surgery to remove several lumps after a breast cancer diagnosis, and developed a debilitating stomach ulcer soon after, according to the Toronto Sun.
Born on July 1, 2012, Esther was purchased as a piglet by Jenkins and Derek Walter, who were led to believe she was a micro pig. But for the next two years she continued to grow, eventually reaching 600 pounds, according to her website.
She settled in with her dog, cat, rabbit, and even turkey siblings, becoming a viral sensation and inspiring the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, which aims to rescue abused and abandoned farm animals and provide them with loving homes and promote the health and well-being of farm animals. She and her fellow sanctuary residents also inspired many to cut animal products out of their diets.
Just weeks prior, the sanctuary also said goodbye to a beloved turkey named Cornelius, who was described as one of Esther's "very best friends."
"I would have killed for one last Corno hug, and although I didn't get one, he did hold my hand while he drifted off to dreamland. Thank you for letting me love you, sweet man. I miss you already, and I always will," Steve wrote at the time.
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