Berney (Leilani Farm Sanctuary)

Wild pigs. Don’t feel bad if they don’t fall under your heading of the “typical” sanctuary animal – they aren’t. That’s part of what makes Berney’s story so special.

Pigs have been present on the islands of Hawaii since the time of the ancient Polynesian people, around 300-500 AD. These pigs eventually became feral, ultimately interbreeding with European breeds brought over in the late 1700s. Wild pigs are disliked by some people, due to their damage to crops and forests. According to New York Times writer Lawrence Downes, “Their only redeeming trait is that they are delicious.”' This unfavorable perception of pigs leads to cruel hunting practices.

It was into this complicated world that Berney the wild piglet was born. Unwittingly, gentle baby Berney wandered up to Leilani Sanctuary’s paddock. Even from outside the fence, the little orphan’s sweet demeanor helped him to make friends quickly, particularly with the donkeys, goats, and his pig crush, Kea. Berney returned night after night to chat with his new friends, and it soon became clear that he wanted to join the Leilani family. It became clear to the human residents of Leilani that Berney’s mother was nowhere to be found and that if they didn’t act fast and adopt Berney, he might be hurt or killed out in the forest.

Now, Berney has a happy life at Leilani. He loves his humans and his animal friends and acts as one of the sanctuary’s ambassadors. The humans at Leilani report that he, “Eagerly approaches us for affection: belly rubs, kind words, and kisses on the snout.” As the gentlest pig on the farm, he helps to show visitors that wild pigs are not inherently vicious at all. Berney now lives a peaceful life at Leilani, and has certainly found his sanctuary.