CAMPBELLVILLE – An area pig that became a social media star has died.
Social media accounts for Esther the Wonder Pig announced that she had died peacefully with her dad Steve Jenkins at her side.
“Even though Esther is no longer physically with us, her memory and legacy will live forever,” the post read. “Esther is immortal, and we will continue to show the world that all animals deserve to be loved just like she was.”
In 2012, Derek Walter and Jenkins adopted what they were told was a micro pig but instead grew to be hundreds of pounds.
As her owners documented the rapidly growing pig’s journey, Esther became a worldwide social media phenomenon with 1.5 million followers on Facebook. She was thrust into the role of ambassador for farmed animals worldwide and her owners as animal rights activists.
She was the main character of best-selling books and is the namesake for The Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary established by her owners at a farm in Campbellville south of Guelph.
“Sending love and happy thoughts to each and every one of you,” the post read. “We know you all loved her just as much as we did, and we thank you for that.“
“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