Wynona
Wynona and her brothers, along with their mom Wendy, call the Sanctuary home. Wendy, a domesticated feral pig, was rescued by animal control after being attacked by dogs. Despite the trauma, it was clear Wendy had once been someone's pet, as she was socialized and affectionate. Sadly, her breed likely led to her abandonment, as owning a "feral pig" requires special permits.
Wendy’s story is not unique. Many pigs, especially those from hunting backgrounds, end up in situations where they are raised as pets or for consumption without proper knowledge of their needs. After being picked up by animal control, Wendy quickly captured the hearts of the shelter staff, who affectionately called her "Baconator"—but we knew she deserved a new name, so she became Wendy.
Wendy’s journey took a surprising turn when, after just two months with the Sanctuary, she began acting unusually. As she ran back and forth along the perimeter, gathering weeds and preparing a nest, it became clear: she was pregnant! Wendy had been pregnant when animal control rescued her, and just the next morning, she gave birth to seven piglets, including Wynona, the only girl.
Wendy proved to be an exceptional mother, fiercely protective of her babies, and the family quickly bonded. While Wendy is domesticated, her piglets, including Wynona, have retained a wild, feral side, making for an extraordinary family dynamic at the Sanctuary. Wendy and her babies were all spayed and neutered, and because they never lived in the wild, the Sanctuary didn't need special permits for them.
Wynona, now a healthy 350-pound athletic goofball, celebrated her fourth birthday on June 16th this year. She may be a little shy, but her beauty and personality shine through. Along with her brothers, Wynona is part of a very tight-knit family that continues to thrive in the safety of the Sanctuary.