She was supposed to be a micro piglet, but Esther was a full-sized pig normally bound for the slaughterhouse, who instead grew into The Wonder Pig who captured hearts around the world.
Esther joined her dads, Steve and Derek, back in the summer of 2012 after a friend suggested adopting the teeny-tiny piglet.
But she grew to more than 600 pounds and became a kindness to all creatures ambassador and the subject of a best-selling children’s book, “The True Adventures of Esther The Wonder Pig.” She inspired a sanctuary at her home in Campbellville, Ont. for other animals in need.
She became a public figure with more than 1.5 million fans on Facebook.
On Oct. 18, her family announced her passing on social media.
“There’s no easy way to say this, but the day we all wished would never come has arrived. Esther has passed away. She was calm and peaceful, and fell asleep with her dad Steve by her side,” they wrote.
Esther The Wonder Pig was 11.
Esther’s family quoted Winnie the Pooh in crafting their goodbye message.
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” they wrote.
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” -Winnie the Pooh. pic.twitter.com/MiWITzj0sL
— Esther TheWonder Pig (@EstherThePig) October 19, 2023
Esther’s health had been failing since September.
And this week, things took a turn for the worse.
“Even though Esther is no longer physically with us, her memory and legacy will live forever,” her family posted.
“Esther is immortal, and we will continue to show the world that all animals deserve to be loved just like she was. Sending love and happy thoughts to each and every one of you.”
Fans around the globe have been sending in condolences to Esther’s family. And her family is projecting that message right back.
“Sending love and happy thoughts to each and every one of you,” they wrote. “We know you all loved her just as much as we did, and we thank you for that.”
A wonderful pig, indeed.
